About Plumstead
Known for its green spaces and hilly climbs, Plumstead is a rich and diverse community soon to benefit from improved connections to central London with the opening of Crossrail at Woolwich.
A short history
It’s thought that the Romans planted orchards—including plum trees—here on an agricultural scale, hence the name. It remained little more than a farming village until Woolwich Arsenal station opened in 1849 which encouraged the local landowning family, the Pattisons, to sell property for development.
Houses were built in Burrage Town for the workers at Woolwich Arsenal while larger properties for middle class merchants were constructed on Plumstead Common Road. When Plumstead station opened in 1859, growth exploded although the common itself was saved and preserved.
The western side of Plumstead was transformed after the Second World War by a number of estates including the largest, Glyndon. Today, the area is home to London’s largest Nepalese community.
Green spaces and going out
Plumstead Common lies 10 miles south-east of central London and is high up enjoying plenty of fresh air and wild open spaces. Every June the common hosts Plumstead Make Merry, a community festival day of music, arts and activity that celebrate the history of the area. it’s longest running in the Royal Borough of Greenwich having started in 1975.
The high street has the usual selection of supermarkets and shops. The nearest cinemas are the Odeon multiplex and Picturehouse in Greenwich (although this could change with the new development in Woolwich).
Transport
Trains from Plumstead station take 34 mins to Cannon Street and 42 mins to Charing Cross. Buses from the town centre go to Woolwich DLR for Canary Wharf as well as the new Crossrail line.
Did you know?
Prior to their current North London home, Arsenal Football Club was originally based in Southeast London and founded by the workers of Woolwich Arsenal. Originally named Royal Arsenal, their first home was Plumstead Common.
