The Plumstead and Erith marshes have always been a traditional camping ground for Travellers.

Their horses used to be seen in very great numbers on the marshes long after the first stage of Thamesmead was complete. However, the horses had to be rounded up in order for the later stages of Thamesmead to be built over the remainder of the marshes.

This photograph was taken when the first stage of Thamesmead was under construction, hence the large crane in the background.

The Travellers were very badly affected by the 1953 floods and had to be evacuated.