Bexley

Outer borough of southeast Greater London, including the suburbs of Crayford, Erith, and Sidcup; population (2001) 218,300. Local industries include armaments manufacture at Crayford, site of the Vickers Factory, since the 19th century.

The name Bexley was first recorded in 814, but signs of Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age settlement exist. The area was mostly rural until the coming of the railways in the late 19th century.

Red House was built in 1840 for the writer and designer William Morris. Hall Place, a country house built in 1540 for Sir John Champneis, Lord Mayor of London, was extended in the 17th century and now houses Bexley Museum. 18th-century Danson Park, has grounds landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown.