Did you know that...
The known history of Plumstead begins in 960 when King Edgar gave this land to St Augustine’s Abbey. Earl Godwin took the area from the monastery and gave it to his son Tostig. King Edward the Confessor gave the land back to the Abbey but Tostig got it back after the king died in 1066. William the Conqueror gave Plumstead to Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. The area grew in 1880 when housing to accommodate the Royal Arsenal workers was built. The Woolwich cemetery was built on the site of Plumstead Common. The common is now a park. The windmill in the common dates from the 19th century. The Old Mill pub stands on the site of the former mill.
In 1878, the common gained “public open space forever” status. Plumstead Make Merry event takes place on the common. It is Greenwich’s longest-running community event. The common also hosts the Asian Mela event. The first home ground of Arsenal F.C. was on the common. Manor Ground and Invicta Ground were other local Arsenal Football Club grounds. The club was established in 1886 and it was originally called Royal Arsenal and Woolwich Arsenal. The railway station was opened in 1859. Plumstead Manor School opened in 1913 was initially a girls school. In 1967, it became a comprehensive school.
Actor Michael Bradshaw who performed in the first edition of the Boston Theater Marathon hails from this side of South East London. Footballer Paul Wash who played for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City was born here as well. Governor of Tasmania Ernest Clark is another notable person born in Plumstead. Racing driver Bill Whitehouse, singer Lee Ryan, snooker player Steve Davis, and footballer Kevin Horlock originate from this SE18 area as well. Two Victoria Cross recipients, Thomas Flawn and Alfred Smith rest at Plumstead Cemetery.