Suburban development in Plumstead began as a response to the need to house workers in the Royal Arsenal.

The Arsenal is shown as a blank space on the map because of the secret nature of the production there.

It expanded greatly during the Crimean War with a corresponding increase in the number of workers.

Western Plumstead grew rapidly at that time leaving the east side of Plumstead rural and undeveloped. This pattern can be clearly seen on this map.

The riverside marshes were also undeveloped although the Royal Arsenal was beginning to encroach.

Shooter's Hill can be seen at the bottom left of this picture.

Click on the map for an enlarged image or click here for a larger, readable image (slower download).

Ordnance Survey, 6" to a mile, published in 1869.