Northfleet: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Northfleet as a name s derived from North creek (or inlet), and the settlement on the shore of the river Thames close by Gravesend was known as norflvet by 1086, and Northflet in 1201. By 1610 the name of Northfleet had become established.

Shipbuilding at Northfleet.

Northfleet was by 1800 the home of numerous shipyards which had produced many fine vessels, but the docks were in decline by 1843. Owned by mr Thomas Pitcher (shipwright) in 1788 the list of merchant vessels he had built included at least 25 ships for the east and west India services, and about the same number for the Navy. In 1839 the company was in the hands of Pitcher's son William.

One of the worst shipping disasters recorded on the Thames occurred at Northfleet, with the collision between the 'Princess Alice', leaving from Rosherville pier, and the collier 'Bywell castle', from Woolwich. 640 people died from the collision, 240 being children. An inquest was held at Woolwich, but no conclusive reason was ever established as to the cause of the disaster at the Devils Elbow on the Thames.

Northfleet Roman Catholic church with its tower built entirely of brick was constructed in 1914, and designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The church contains a C14th carved oak screen, which is thought to be the oderst in Kent.

Jerimiah Rosher is buried in the churchyard, it was he who in the 1830's attempted to turn Northfleet into a riverside resort, laying down the Rosherville gardens, which for a while became a popular destination for Victorian Londoners, providing the entertainments of a bear-pit, an aviary, zoo and botanical gardens. Their was a maze, tea rooms and slide shows were held. In the evenings illuminations, dances and two theaters (one open-air) were available. It was in 1839 that the 'Kent Zoological and Botanical Gardens Institution, Rosherville, ear Gravesend' were first opened to the public and covered an area of 17 acres.

On Friday, the 16th of August (1941) 150 German aircraft crossed over the Kent skies, to deal the worst blow to civilian life the county had experienced to that point in the war. With the formation splitting into groups to be variously challenged from Manston, Kenly, Hornchurch Biggin hill and Hawkinge airfields, a group of Dorniers made it to Northfleet at a little after mid day.

It was reported that about 106 high explosive bombs ranging from 50-250 kilos were dropped over the town and its industrial complex. A total of 29 people were killed, and 27 injured with two schools badly damaged.

Although one would suppose Gravesend to be the main influence in the history of this club, it was in fact Northfleet that was to be responsible for the early significant accomplishment of this association.