Thamesmead, a new town on the Royal Arsenal site
Introduction (videos below)
In the 1960's, the Ministry of Defence decided that the technology of modern weaponry rendered the Royal Arsenal, in its old familiar form, virtually obsolete. After lengthy discussions in Parliament and with the LCC, then the largest Housing Authority in the country, land was released by the Government for housing, and a team of planners, surveyors and architects was formed at County Hall to meet one of the most exciting and rewarding challenges of the time.
The challenge was met by the beginning of construction in 1967 of the town that is now Thamesmead.
Early History
Many centuries ago, a wide sweep of the River Thames covered marshland that could only be used at low tide - indeed, the monks who looked northwards from the seclusion of their grey flintstone Abbey of Lesnes saw a scene which was more adapted to river life than to land. It is believed that the Romans began the work of reclaiming the marshes, but it is certain that the monks worked long and hard at drainage and building up of ground levels - it was in their interest to do so, because every yard won from the Thames could be added to the extensive Abbey lands. Damaging floods invaded the area in 1530, which no doubt gave the Abbot a certain grim satisfaction, as his order had been dispersed and his Abbey demolished six years previously.
In the 16th Century, Henry VIII established the Royal Dockyard at Woolwich and from there the great galleon Henri Grace a Dieu was launched in 1515, so beginning a Woolwich connection with artillery and warships that has lasted until present times.
The Woolwich Arsenal, however, as a manufactory of arms, dates from the 17th Century when a brass foundry for the casting of guns was established near to Warren Lane - the Woolwich Warren as it was then called, employing only 3 people. Gradually, the expanding British Empire and the associated expansion of the Arsenal, reached a peak by the beginning of this century. By the end of the First World War in 1918, 73,000 people were employed there, and the lands of the Royal Arsenal extended from the Warren up to what is now the edge of Thames Water's works at Crossness.
From 18th Century onwards
Convict labour had been used to fill up the swampy land occupied by the Royal Arsenal with material excavated from the Royal Docks further upstream, and this land reclamation work continued through World Wars I and II. Additional strengthening and raising of the parts of the river bank up to Crossness was carried out during World War II, using rubble from the bombing of London during 1940 and 1941.
During this period, over 160 locomotives and 2,000 wagons ran within the Arsenal's boundaries on 120 miles of railway line. A network of roads had been created, the names perpetuating local history (Griffin Manor Way, Harrow Manor Way), or reminders of Britain's presence in 19th Century Africa (Berber Road), or straightforward functional needs of the establishment (Harness Road, Avenue 'A', No 10 Street etc.)
Post War Development
In 1965, when the former London County Council purchased a portion of the Arsenal's surplus land from the Ministry of Defence, most of the area was covered in old buildings, some of them derelict, traces of an elaborate railway system, earth moundings and roads. Below ground, drains, old services, and the remains of older long-demolished buildings presented an enormous challenge to the County Hall planning team.
Few of Thamesmead's residents will have any knowledge of the original ideas behind the now-familiar appearance of their present town.
Up to now, most of the official history starts with the architecturally exciting buildings running alongside Harrow Manor Way started in 1967 (Coralline Walk and Binsey Walk) with the houses and towers behind it - but in 1965 the first LCC scheme consisted of a series of "villages" built at first floor level on huge concrete platforms, with garages, stores and service areas at ground level. The scheme included a number of 30 storey towers of flats at the junction of the platforms which were linked with bridges.
Fortunately, at this stage, the Ministry of Defence agreed to sell the rest of their land on the north side of The Ridgeway to the GLC, and the Woolwich-Erith project (as it was then called) was completely redesigned. The new scheme was an extended version of Coralline and Binsey Walks, gradually rising to nine and ten storeys as the river was approached. High-level pedestrian walkways with high-level decks in the town centre were to complete the scheme.
The first three stages were designed with an eye to rapid industrialized building methods, and the form evolved was very much in tune with architectural and planning thinking at the time. Eventually, however, a combination of increasing costs, change of political control and a desire expressed by residents for a more human scale environment led to an abandonment of the original urban idea, and its replacement by lower density "houses with gardens" philosophy, very similar to the garden-city thinking of pre-war days.
The scene was set for the latest change in the philosophy of Thamesmead.
A referendum was held in October 1985 to find out from local people who they wanted to look after their affairs when the GLC was abolished. The majority who voted decided that they wanted Thamesmead Town to take on this task. A new private company was established, and a Board of Directors formed, nine of whom were locally elected people, under Clive Thornton the first Chairman.
The involvement and control by local people in the development and management of their own town became apparent as the Board undertook the task of running the day-to-day affairs of the Company. The policy of selling sites to developers to build houses for sale has been continued, and the sale of land in this way finances land reclamation and the creation of new roads and main services the infrastructure which enables developers to build small estates within the overall plan for the Town. Guidance in this process is given by the Thamesmead Town Development Team.
In the 1960's, the Ministry of Defence decided that the technology of modern weaponry rendered the Royal Arsenal, in its old familiar form, virtually obsolete. After lengthy discussions in Parliament and with the LCC, then the largest Housing Authority in the country, land was released by the Government for housing, and a team of planners, surveyors and architects was formed at County Hall to meet one of the most exciting and rewarding challenges of the time.
The challenge was met by the beginning of construction in 1967 of the town that is now Thamesmead.
Early History
Many centuries ago, a wide sweep of the River Thames covered marshland that could only be used at low tide - indeed, the monks who looked northwards from the seclusion of their grey flintstone Abbey of Lesnes saw a scene which was more adapted to river life than to land. It is believed that the Romans began the work of reclaiming the marshes, but it is certain that the monks worked long and hard at drainage and building up of ground levels - it was in their interest to do so, because every yard won from the Thames could be added to the extensive Abbey lands. Damaging floods invaded the area in 1530, which no doubt gave the Abbot a certain grim satisfaction, as his order had been dispersed and his Abbey demolished six years previously.
In the 16th Century, Henry VIII established the Royal Dockyard at Woolwich and from there the great galleon Henri Grace a Dieu was launched in 1515, so beginning a Woolwich connection with artillery and warships that has lasted until present times.
The Woolwich Arsenal, however, as a manufactory of arms, dates from the 17th Century when a brass foundry for the casting of guns was established near to Warren Lane - the Woolwich Warren as it was then called, employing only 3 people. Gradually, the expanding British Empire and the associated expansion of the Arsenal, reached a peak by the beginning of this century. By the end of the First World War in 1918, 73,000 people were employed there, and the lands of the Royal Arsenal extended from the Warren up to what is now the edge of Thames Water's works at Crossness.
From 18th Century onwards
Convict labour had been used to fill up the swampy land occupied by the Royal Arsenal with material excavated from the Royal Docks further upstream, and this land reclamation work continued through World Wars I and II. Additional strengthening and raising of the parts of the river bank up to Crossness was carried out during World War II, using rubble from the bombing of London during 1940 and 1941.
During this period, over 160 locomotives and 2,000 wagons ran within the Arsenal's boundaries on 120 miles of railway line. A network of roads had been created, the names perpetuating local history (Griffin Manor Way, Harrow Manor Way), or reminders of Britain's presence in 19th Century Africa (Berber Road), or straightforward functional needs of the establishment (Harness Road, Avenue 'A', No 10 Street etc.)
Post War Development
In 1965, when the former London County Council purchased a portion of the Arsenal's surplus land from the Ministry of Defence, most of the area was covered in old buildings, some of them derelict, traces of an elaborate railway system, earth moundings and roads. Below ground, drains, old services, and the remains of older long-demolished buildings presented an enormous challenge to the County Hall planning team.
Few of Thamesmead's residents will have any knowledge of the original ideas behind the now-familiar appearance of their present town.
Up to now, most of the official history starts with the architecturally exciting buildings running alongside Harrow Manor Way started in 1967 (Coralline Walk and Binsey Walk) with the houses and towers behind it - but in 1965 the first LCC scheme consisted of a series of "villages" built at first floor level on huge concrete platforms, with garages, stores and service areas at ground level. The scheme included a number of 30 storey towers of flats at the junction of the platforms which were linked with bridges.
Fortunately, at this stage, the Ministry of Defence agreed to sell the rest of their land on the north side of The Ridgeway to the GLC, and the Woolwich-Erith project (as it was then called) was completely redesigned. The new scheme was an extended version of Coralline and Binsey Walks, gradually rising to nine and ten storeys as the river was approached. High-level pedestrian walkways with high-level decks in the town centre were to complete the scheme.
The first three stages were designed with an eye to rapid industrialized building methods, and the form evolved was very much in tune with architectural and planning thinking at the time. Eventually, however, a combination of increasing costs, change of political control and a desire expressed by residents for a more human scale environment led to an abandonment of the original urban idea, and its replacement by lower density "houses with gardens" philosophy, very similar to the garden-city thinking of pre-war days.
The scene was set for the latest change in the philosophy of Thamesmead.
A referendum was held in October 1985 to find out from local people who they wanted to look after their affairs when the GLC was abolished. The majority who voted decided that they wanted Thamesmead Town to take on this task. A new private company was established, and a Board of Directors formed, nine of whom were locally elected people, under Clive Thornton the first Chairman.
The involvement and control by local people in the development and management of their own town became apparent as the Board undertook the task of running the day-to-day affairs of the Company. The policy of selling sites to developers to build houses for sale has been continued, and the sale of land in this way finances land reclamation and the creation of new roads and main services the infrastructure which enables developers to build small estates within the overall plan for the Town. Guidance in this process is given by the Thamesmead Town Development Team.
1967 Thamesmead - silient amauture video
The film begins with a look around an area of land that would become part of the new estate of Thamesmead, just before construction commenced on the first stage (1538 new homes) in Thamesmead South. The earth has been cleared, and some marquees raised for an official ceremony visited by the Mayors of Bexley and Greenwich, representatives of those Borough’s councils and from the Greater London Council. The VIPs watch as a pile driver begins to hammer in foundations.
A later trip to the building site captures construction work in process with cranes lifting material into place, and completed low-rise apartment buildings and tower blocks. The next scenes show much of the first stage of the estate complete and a visit by officials to Coralline Walk, a linear block on Harrow Manor Way. Desmond Plummer, the Leader of the Greater London Council presents a commemorative plaque to the first residents, the Gooch family, before joining them on the balcony of their new maisonette to survey the surroundings. A jolly roger flag is filmed flying from the balcony of one of the upper storeys Plummer and other dignitaries look around the building before returning to their official cars and driving away. There follow some shots around Abbey Wood station, the Abbey Arms public house and the Thamesmead Information Centre, before a survey of the completed stage one area including its walkways, green spaces and courtyards.
A later trip to the building site captures construction work in process with cranes lifting material into place, and completed low-rise apartment buildings and tower blocks. The next scenes show much of the first stage of the estate complete and a visit by officials to Coralline Walk, a linear block on Harrow Manor Way. Desmond Plummer, the Leader of the Greater London Council presents a commemorative plaque to the first residents, the Gooch family, before joining them on the balcony of their new maisonette to survey the surroundings. A jolly roger flag is filmed flying from the balcony of one of the upper storeys Plummer and other dignitaries look around the building before returning to their official cars and driving away. There follow some shots around Abbey Wood station, the Abbey Arms public house and the Thamesmead Information Centre, before a survey of the completed stage one area including its walkways, green spaces and courtyards.
Amature video 1968 - Abbeywood / Thamesmead
1968 Thamesmead. A.F. Brown
Thamesmead 1968 Promotional Video - London Housing
Directed by Jack Saward, who would make several more films about the estate, this film offers an overview of the history and construction of Thamesmead as it neared completion. The narrator discusses the way recreation, leisure and work are all built into the plan, which would feature a variety of modern housing, an "international yacht harbour", space for private enterprise and a focus on water and the river. Made by the GLC. The tone is upbeat as we hear of the planners’ good intentions and see clips of construction and people at work, home and play. The film is keen to demonstrate a consistency with London’s past – a city built on its river –and also to emphasise that Thamesmead would be part of the wider London, not a new town marooned on the fringes. The ambition is commendable but it didn’t quite work in practise, with Thamesmead becoming a notoriously problematic estate and its architects perceived as exhibiting many of the faults of post-war planning, with communities being tinkered with from above like a real-life experiment. This is where utopia meets authoritarianism. London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different
A Tara Film
A Tara Film
1969 Silent video (Thamesmead - Woolwich London) This however has been confirmed it is from about mid 1973
Various good shots taken in the already inhabited part of the Thamesmead housing complex. We see the well designed high rise blocks, lower maisonette buildings, shopping precinct and the complex focal point being the large lake come marina with swans and boats. Various shots of the large amount of building equipment on the unfinished portion of Thamesmead which is lying idle during a monetary dispute between the builders and G.L.C. useful material for building strike. Large earth carrying vehicles and giant cranes lie rotting. (16 mm E/C neg) FILM ID:3291.07 A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ
1970 Thamesmead
This film looks at the building of Thamesmead by the GLC -- including Stages 1 and 2. It shows the architectural plans and models; the planning of transport and shopping provision; the landscaping work etc. Looks at the input of the Greater London Council, through the Thamesmead Committee. Shows the first family to move in, the completion of the first tower block, and a meeting of the Residents' Association.
Date: 1970 Reference No: GLC/DG/PRB/11/022/004 Collection: GLC industries. A Tara Film.
Date: 1970 Reference No: GLC/DG/PRB/11/022/004 Collection: GLC industries. A Tara Film.
Living at Thamesmead, 1974
Description: A semi-fictional account of a couple who live in the Thamesmead estate. This film shows the architecture and landscaping of Thamesmead and the everyday lives of the residents. Includes sequences showing social activities, sporting events, educational and health facilities. Starring Julie Dawn Cole and Spencer Banks as the young couple.
1981 - Woolwich Market, Thamesmead Stage 8, Royal Arsenal Canal, RARDE views etc
1984 - Royal Arsenal Privatisation, Thamesmead Clock tower can be seen stored.
1985 Thames news Gypsys camping on Wasteland in Thamesmead 5/8/85.
1985 Abolition of the GLC
1986 Thames News. Woolwich Arsenal site, Thamesmead Trust, new experiment in letting council tenants. 3/4/86.
1988 Riverside School
1990/1991 - Thamesmead Adventure scheme, Royal Arsenal Proof Butts
1991 - Thamesmead - The London Programme
1991 The London Programme looking at racial tensions and murder on Thamesmead estate
1995 - Thamesmead Adventure, Summer action, Royal Arsenal Proof Butts
1997 - Thamesmead
Welcome to Thamesmead / Promotional VHS produced by the PR & marketing department of Thamesmead Town in 1997
“Thamesmead is in a period of growth. This video gives a visual experience of Thamesmead at this exciting time of its development. Presented by Anna-Maria Ashe of London News Network, viewers will get a true taste of Thamesmead today.”
“Thamesmead is in a period of growth. This video gives a visual experience of Thamesmead at this exciting time of its development. Presented by Anna-Maria Ashe of London News Network, viewers will get a true taste of Thamesmead today.”
2013 - Gallions - South Thamesmead Regeneration- Southmere Village
2013 Thamesmead South, Housing Estate in London.
This is the Estate where A Clockwork Orange, Beautiful Thing and Misfits was filmed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIEzXgQHXpY
2014 - Brickbox A - Bridge video
2014 - Trust Thamesmead - the Link Thamesmead
Thamesmead by Bipolar Spider
By Bipolar Spider
2015 - BBC Radio 4 Open Country Tump 53, Thamesmead History, not so Grey.
Thamesmead Tumps, Royal Arsenal history, not so grey. A town from a wilderness of Britain's Secret city.
A slideshow overlay on BBC Radio 4 Open Country show, created by me to highlight how Thamesmead is "Not so grey" and to make people aware of Thamesmead history and landscapes. Ian Bull talks about the history in this audio documentary. The BBC contacted me for this show via this website for an interview relating to the Tumps and contact leads etc.
A slideshow overlay on BBC Radio 4 Open Country show, created by me to highlight how Thamesmead is "Not so grey" and to make people aware of Thamesmead history and landscapes. Ian Bull talks about the history in this audio documentary. The BBC contacted me for this show via this website for an interview relating to the Tumps and contact leads etc.
2016 - How Peabody aims to transform the Thamesmead estate - and what different tenants think
How Peabody aims to transform the Thamesmead estate - and what different tenants think
2016 - Thamesmead Now
Peobody Plans to make Thamesmead a better place to live, work and visit. A short Thamesmead Now film to support the consultation process. Residents of South Thamesmead give their views on our proposals
2017 - Peabody at Healthy Cities Forum on Thamesmead regeneration
Thamesmead Drone footage 2017 - Thamesmead - Part One
Thamesmead Drone footage 2017 - Thamesmead - Part Two
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBCkX7i6F20 by DannyGypsy
2017 - A Smarter Thamesmead - Scoping Smart Cities
2018 - Fly by Night event in Thamesmead
2018 - Philip Bottomley London public architect: Thamesmead and memories of masterplanning
2018 - Thamesmead Promo video 2018
Page in progress March 2019
