Gravesend

Settlement in Kent Gravesham

England

Gravesend

Gravesend is a historic town located in the county of Kent, England. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, it is approximately 24 miles east of central London. With a population of around 68,000 people, it is a thriving urban area that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.

The town has a significant maritime heritage, dating back to the 13th century when it was a strategic port for trade and travel. Today, Gravesend still maintains its connection to the river, with a bustling pier that serves as a departure point for river cruises and ferries to nearby destinations such as Tilbury and London.

Gravesend boasts an array of architectural gems, including the iconic clock tower, which is a symbol of the town. The High Street is lined with a mix of Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian buildings, housing a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town's market, held twice a week, offers a vibrant atmosphere and a range of local produce and goods.

For history enthusiasts, the area is home to several notable landmarks, such as the Gravesend Town Pier and the Milton Chantry, a medieval chapel. The town also has strong connections to famed explorer Captain James Cook, who set sail on his first voyage from Gravesend in 1768.

Gravesend boasts a diverse community, with a range of cultural celebrations and events throughout the year. The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi and the Pocahontas Festival, which commemorates the Native American princess, are just a few examples that highlight the town's multicultural spirit.

With excellent transport links, including a direct train service to London, Gravesend offers residents and visitors the perfect balance between urban living and a rich historical legacy.

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Gravesend Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.442515/0.36936569 or Grid Reference TQ6474. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gravesend canal basin

Photo taken facing south - Gravesend canal basin still opens into the Thames and was originally at the entrance to the Thames and Medway canal. It is now cut off from the rest of the remains across the marshes to Higham. The railway from Gravesend to Rochester passes through the old canal tunnel near Strood.

rafflesbear

Worlds End Public House, Tilbury Riverside, Essex

John Winfield

Tilbury Ferry Dock, Tilbury, Essex

Dock for the Tilbury-Gravesend passenger ferry.

John Winfield

London Cruise Ship Terminal, Tilbury Docks, Essex

John Winfield

River Thames at Gravesend

The small blue and white boat on the right is the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry.

John Winfield

Tilbury Fort, Tilbury Riverside, Essex

Built during the Napoleonic War to protect London from invasion. Now run by English Heritage.

John Winfield

The Moat, Tilbury Fort, Tilbury, Essex

The fort is protected by a two massive moats - shown here is the main 'inner' moat.

John Winfield

Gun emplacements, Tilbury Fort, Essex

John Winfield

The Gatehouse, Tilbury Fort, Essex

John Winfield

Pedestrian Bridge, Tilbury Ferry, Tilbury, Essex

John Winfield

Old Road West, Gravesend

View of Old Road West and Kent and Essex Pub

Chris

New Tavern Fort, Gravesend, Kent

New Tavern Fort was built in 1780 on the opposite bank of the Thames to Tilbury Fort to guard the approach to London. It now contains examples of artillery from different periods of history.

Ron Strutt

Lighthouse & Jetty

This jetty and lighthouse is near the Ship and Lobster pub to the East of Gravesend Town. The distinctive outline of this jetty shown on the OS map has been changed in recent years. This caused some confusion until I was put right by one of the Dockers.

Glyn Baker

Duchess M

This is a picture of Duchess M, she and her sister ship Princess Pocahontas have been plying the waters of the Thames since the mid 1950’s, although there has been a Tilbury to Gravesend ferry service for centuries. Until 1963 and the opening of the Dartford Tunnel it was the only direct route between the towns, foot traffic has declined ever since. However it is still the most practical and convenient public transport link between the two towns. The closure of Tilbury Riverside station in the 1980’s reduced passenger numbers still further. Sentiment & subsidy from both councils and the Dartford Crossing tolls keep the service running. Public outcry from the citizens of Gravesend and Thurrock have, so far fought off every attempt the bean counters have made to close this historic service.

Glyn Baker

W.T Henley Ltd

W.T Henley (aka TT electronics) produce electrical wire, insulation as well as surge suppressors, fuses & circuit breakers. Their Art Deco offices indicate they have been around for a while.

Glyn Baker

Pocahontas Statue, Gravesend.

Pocahontas, wife of John Rolfe, was buried in Gravesend. Link

Colin Smith

Northfleet Mills, 1973

In the foreground are the Bowater Scott paper mills, surrounding a row of terraced houses in Portland Road, since demolished. The white building with two large chimneys is Northfleet Power Station TQ6374 and beyond across the river is Tilbury Power Station TQ6575. Taken from upper deck of a bus on London Road

Pierre Terre

Northfleet Power Station, 1973

View west along the riverfront, dominated by the power station with paper and cement mill chimneys beyond. In the foreground is the 'W T Henley' building in Glyn Baker's 2005 photo Link. This is the same Henley as the cable works in my 1973 view of North Woolwich TQ4279

Pierre Terre

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Gravesend is located at Grid Ref: TQ6474 (Lat: 51.442515, Lng: 0.36936569)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Gravesham

Police Authority: Kent

What 3 Words

///dizzy.trains.shirt. Near Gravesend, Kent

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Gravesend

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Located within 500m of 51.442515,0.36936569

Source: Landsat photo

Lat/Long: 51.4449017/0.3731236

Gravesend

Settlement in Kent Gravesham

England

Gravesend

Gravesend Images

What 3 Words

Nearby Locations

Related Wikis

Gravesend Town Hall

Gravesend

St George's Church, Gravesend

Gravesend railway station

Woodville Halls Theatre

Theatre Royal, Gravesend

Town Pier, Gravesend

Gravesend Blockhouse

Nearby Amenities

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