Around Tripcock Ness - A History of the Thamesmead Area

This is the fourth of a series of walks following the Thames from London out towards the Thames Estuary, looking at industrial, maritime and military history.

The walk takes in an area that was once dominated by the testing grounds of the Royal Woolwich Arsenal. Up until the 1950's most of the route was across land that was top secret. We'll walk along canals that were once used for carrying gunpowder ,see the site of storage facilities for cordite, land where tanks were tested and a stretch of water once used for testing torpedoes.

This stretch of the Thames features a dangerous bend called Tripcock Ness. The walk goes past a lighthouse which still marks the area, and hear tales from the river.

In the 1960s the area was built on to create a New Town within the boundaries of London - Thamesmead. The walk will look at the idealism of the plan to create the new housing, and how Thamesmead is developing today.

Meeting Point: Plumstead Station, Walmer Terrace, SE18 7EA

Accessibility: Involves walking and some stairs.