Deptford is most commonly known for its naval history, from the knighting of Sir Francis Drake aboard the Golden Hind to the infamous King’s Yard. We believe this area has a rich history that is worth diving into, giving you a deeper look into facts you already know or even pieces of history you didn’t know Deptford was a part of!
Deptford is best known as being home to Deptford Dockyard from the mid 16th century to the late 19th. It was the first of the Royal Dockyards and became a major shipping dock, where many famous names in history spent their time, including Peter The Great, ruler of the Russian Empire from 1682, who studied shipbuilding.
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The docks have also been associated with other historical events, both factual and detabedly fabled, including the legend of Sir Walter Ralieigh laying down his cloak for Queen Elizabeth I so she could walk over a muddy puddle!
The origins of Deptford’s name comes from its beginnings as a ford of the River Ravensbourne, which is a tributary of the River Thames. The river is actually along the route of the Celtic trackway, which was later paved by the Romans and then developed into the medieval Watling Street. This is where the name ‘deep ford’ became the similar sounding ‘Deptford’! Deptford was actually featured in the pilgrimage route from London to Canterbury in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, specifically in the prologue to The Reeve’s Tale.
The ford from where Deptford gets its name first turned into a wooden, then later a stone bridge where, in 1497, saw the Battle of Deptford Bridge. This consisted of Cornish rebels marching on London to protest against extremely high taxes, but were swiftly defeated by the King’s forces.
“This was the ground from which, more than any other, grew the British Empire.”
Deptford Strand was the second settlement that formed in the area and matured into a fishing village on the Thames. That is until Henry VIII used the site for a royal dock to service and build ships, which continued after the king’s deal until March 1869. 1514 saw the formation of Trinity House in Deptford, the organisation that was concerned with the safety of navigation around the British Isles. It’s first Master was Thomas Spert, captain of the ship named the Mary Rose. However, the site moved to Stepney in 1618.
Trinity House
Deptford should also be recognised for its role in trade, specifically the infamous Honourable East India Trading Company. The company has a yard in Deptford until the late 17th century, which was then taken over by the General Steam Navigation Company.
Deptford Anchor SE8 - Giclée Art Print
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John Hawkins, who was a famous slave traders, is also connected with Deptford, having used the docks as a base of operations. More notably, Olaudah Equiano was a slave that was sold from one ship’s captain to another in Deptford around 1760, someone who became a huge figure in abolishing the slave trade.
Deptford Dockyard was established by Henry VIII in 1513 as the first Royal Dockyard, which built vessels for the Royal Navy, being known as the King’s Yard. It was closed as a dockyard in 1869 and is now known as Convoys Wharf.
There is not only royal history laced within Deptford, but literary history too. The prominent dramatist Christopher Marlowe, known for his play Doctor Faustus, was supposedly killed in Deptford during a tavern brawl. Many other authors have alluded to this legend, including Anthony Burgess’ novel A Dead Man In Deptford.
The brawl is said to have occured in Eleanor Bull’s house in Deptford Strand in May 1593. There have been several versions recorded of his death, with Francis Meres claiming he was ‘stabbed to death by a bawdy serving-man, a rival of his lewd love’ as punishment for his ‘epicurism and atheism’. Many other accounts similarly describe Marlowe being involved in a fight, although some modern theories even suggest he was assassinated!
Another famous literary figure associated with Deptford is the diarist John Evelyn. Evelyn came to Deptford in 1652 to live at Sayes Court, which he rented to the aforementioned Peter the Great of Russia. During his stay, Evelyn discovered the sculptor Grinling Gibbons in a Deptford workshop and introduced him to Christopher Wren. Upon this discovery, Gibbons went on to become a master carver under five British sovereigns. John Evelyn went on to be known for covering various prominent political events, including the execution of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell’s rise and death, the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire of London.
Some significant landmarks within Deptford’s history include Deptford Station, Deptford Power Station and The Albany Theatre. Deptford station, having opened in 1836 is the oldest railway station in London! It opened as a section between the London and Greenwich Railway on the 8th February 1836. The former Deptford Power Station, which was shut down in 1983, was the largest station in the world when it was built. The Deptford’s Albany Theatre has also been active for over 100 years and is still a thriving creative hub in Deptford.
Deptford Power Station
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