Erith Genealogical Records

Erith Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Belvedere, St Augustine of Canterbury Baptisms (1907-1925)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index. These records may help trace a family as far back as 1907.

Northumberland Heath, St Paul Baptisms (1906-1925)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index, essentially recording births, but may also include places of residence and occupations.

Erith Methodist Church Baptisms (1889-1925)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index, essentially recording births, but may include residence, father's occupation and more.

Erith, Christ Church Baptisms (1871-1925)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index. They essentially record births, but may also include places of residence and occupations.

Erith Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Belvedere, St Augustine of Canterbury Marriages (1917-1935)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. They are the primary source for pre-1837 marriages. They may record the bride and groom's residence, the groom's occupation, parents' names, marital status and witnesses.

Northumberland Heath, St Paul Marriages (1906-1935)

Details on those who were married at the church between 1906 and 1935. Information given usually includes abode and marital status. After April 1837 father's names and ages are recorded.

Erith, Christ Church Marriages (1875-1935)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. Details may include residence, marital status, parents' names and witnesses.

Belvedere, All Saints Marriages (1862-1935)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. Details given on the bride and groom may include their age, father's name, marital status, residence and signature.

Erith Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St John the Baptist, Erith Burial Records (1801-1858)

Burial registers are the primary source for death documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date someone was buried, their age & residence. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

Kent Bishop's Transcripts (1560-1911)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Kent Parish Registers (1538-1911)

Browsable images of registers the recorded baptisms, marriages and burials in Kent. Names are not indexed.

Kent PR Index (1538-1870)

An index to around 40,000 various parish register extracts for Kent.

Erith Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

London Electoral Registers (1832-1965)

Lists of those registered to vote in London, including their residence and sometimes other supplementary details. Useful for tracing families in between censuses and can be used as a post-1911 census substitute, as listings are ordered by residence. A name index connected to original images.

Kent Hearth Tax (1664)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Kent Register of Electors (1570-1907)

Browsable images of Kent electoral rolls poll books, which list those eligible to vote as well as lists of freemen, apprentices, burgess records and militia musters.

Newspapers Covering Erith

South London Press (1867)

A local paper including news from the London area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

Shoreditch Observer (1857-1867)

A local paper including news from the Shoreditch area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

London Standard (1827-1900)

Original images of a local newspaper, searchable via a full text index. Includes news from the London area, business notices, obituaries, family announcements and more.

Chelmsford Chronicle (1783-1950)

A local newspaper including news from the Chelmsford district, business notices, family announcements, legal & governmental proceedings, advertisements and more.

Kent & Sussex Courier (1873-1939)

A conservative-oriented newspaper reporting on local news, births, marriages and deaths in the two counties.

Erith Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Wills & Admons at Canterbury Probate Registry (1396-1650)

An index to probates and administrations held at Canterbury Probate Registry. Contains details on the testator, type of grant, residence, occupation and reference to order the original.

Tyler's Index to Kent Wills (1460-1882)

Abstracts and references to 10,000s of wills and probate documents, primarily from East Kent.

Diocese of Rochester Wills and Probate (1662-1784)

Browsable images of inventories. Also includes freeman papers for Queenborough.

Archdeaconry of Rochester Wills and Probate (1635-1857)

Browsable images of administrations, inventories and wills.

Erith Immigration & Travel Records

Prisoners Transported from Kent (1851-1852)

A small list of convicts transported to the colonies.

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

Erith Military Records

The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment (1914-1920)

A great deal of information relating to the regiment, including a thorough history, biographical details, photographs, information on honours etc.

West Kent Queen's Own Yeomanry (1794-1909)

A general history of the yeomanry, including extracts from original records

Victoria County History of Kent, Vol. 3 (43-1900)

A volume from the most respected work concerning English history. It covers military history, country houses, industry, roads and a transcription of Domesday entries relating to Kent.

QORWKR Battalion Orders (1914-1916)

A finding aid for records detailing orders relating to ordinary rank men in the Royal West Kent Regiment.

Kent Voluntary Aid Detachments (1914-1918)

Details of voluntary aid workers in Kent during WWI.

London Poor Law & Board of Guardian Records (1430-1930)

Original images of a vast array of documents detailing the administration of the dependant poor in London. Including: school registers, rate books, removals, settlements, apprenticeships, criminal records, legal records and more.

Kentish Prison Hulk Registers (1811-1843)

Registers recording details of around 9,000 prisoners held in ships stationed in Kent. Records describe a convict's name, age, place of birth, physical description, offence, conviction, sentence, discharge and conduct report.

Kent Workhouse Records (1777-1911)

Over 70,000 browsable pages detailing the administration of poor law unions in Kent. Records contain details on births, marriages & deaths; punishments; admissions and discharges and more.

Kent Quarter Sessions Index (1657-1804)

A name index to 1,000s of people mentioned in legal records relating to crime and administration. The records include settlements, removals and bastardy orders.

Kent Quarter Sessions & Court Files (1558-1899)

Legal records covering a variety of issues from land to bastardy.

Erith Taxation Records

Poll Book for the County of Kent (1832)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Kent Hearth Tax (1664)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Kent Land Tax Assessments (1689-1832)

Browsable images of registers that record owners and occupiers of land. Useful for tracing succession of freehold and tenancies.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Erith Land & Property Records

Poll Book for the County of Kent (1832)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Kent Land Tax Assessments (1689-1832)

Browsable images of registers that record owners and occupiers of land. Useful for tracing succession of freehold and tenancies.

Kent Register of Electors (1570-1907)

Browsable images of Kent electoral rolls poll books, which list those eligible to vote as well as lists of freemen, apprentices, burgess records and militia musters.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Erith Directories & Gazetteers

Pike's Weald of Kent & Romney Marsh Directory (1884-1885)

A gazetteer and directory of part of Kent.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1938)

A directory of settlements in Kent detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1938)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of settlement's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1934)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1930)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Erith Cemeteries

Erith Cemetery Registers (1894-1985)

A name index of burials, connected to images of gravestones.

Kent Monumental Inscriptions (1500-1920)

Transcriptions of thousands of memorials and headstones found in Kent.

Kent Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Kent's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Erith Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Erith Histories & Books

History & Topographical Survey of Kent (1189-1801)

A sprawling work containing a detailed history of the county and each parish.

Victoria County History: Kent (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Victoria County History of Kent, Vol. 3 (43-1900)

A volume from the most respected work concerning English history. It covers military history, country houses, industry, roads and a transcription of Domesday entries relating to Kent.

Kent Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Kent.

Kent Church Photographs (1851-Present)

Photographs of parish churches in Hampshire, with architectural details and extracts from the 1851 ecclesiastical census.

Erith School & Education Records

London School Admissions & Discharges Registers (1840-1911)

Records or admission and discharge for over 1 million pupils attending over 800 state schools in London. Records are indexed by name linked to original images of the registers; and may contain details on the pupil's parents, date of birth, residence, parent's occupations and scholastic history.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Erith Occupation & Business Records

Canterbury Teaching and Medical Licences (1568-1646)

A calendar to licences granted by Diocese of Canterbury to teachers, physicians and apothecaries.

Bexley, Kent Asylum Minute Books (1901-1939)

A list of almost 12,000 names extracted from the asylum's minute books. Included are patients, staff and contractors.

Smuggling in Kent (1697-1830)

Articles detailing several smuggling gangs that operated in the county.

Smuggling on the South East Coast (1675-1871)

An introduction to smuggling in on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Smuggling on the East Coast (1600-1892)

An introduction to smuggling on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Erith

Victoria County History: Kent (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Pedigrees of Kent Families (1066-1840)

Hand-draw genealogical charts covering Kent's gentry. Includes descriptions of coats of arms.

Tyler's Kent Families (1500-1900)

A collection of pedigrees, family notes and historical extracts relating to Kent and its families.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Erith Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Kent (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Pedigrees of Kent Families (1066-1840)

Hand-draw genealogical charts covering Kent's gentry. Includes descriptions of coats of arms.

Kent Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Kent's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Erith Church Records

Erith Parish Registers (1801-1873)

Prior to civil registration in 1837, the parish registers of Erith are the most common place to turn for details on births, marriages and deaths.

Visitations of the Archdeacon of Canterbury (1557-1679)

Extracts relating to the ecclesiastical history of the Archdeaconry of Canterbury.

Kent Church Photographs (1851-Present)

Photographs of parish churches in Hampshire, with architectural details and extracts from the 1851 ecclesiastical census.

Kent Bishop's Transcripts (1560-1911)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Kent Parish Registers (1538-1911)

Browsable images of registers the recorded baptisms, marriages and burials in Kent. Names are not indexed.

Biographical Directories Covering Erith

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Erith Maps

Maps of London & The Vicinity (1940)

Detailed maps of London and 125 other places in the vicinity.

James Wyld's Map of London and Environs (1872)

A map charting London and 25 miles round.

Maps of Kent (1522-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Erith Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

The small village of Erith, situated on the banks of the Thames, and lying open to the upper part of Long Reach, where the East Indiamen, in their passage up the river, discharge part of their cargoes, a circumstance of great advantage to this place. It consists principally of one street, leading down to the water side, and a second branching off towards the church on the west. The parish church is a very ancient structure, consisting of a nave, chancel, a south chapel, and a south aisle, with a low tower and spire at the west end. There are several ancient monuments and brasses in this church : among which is an alabaster tomb, in the chapel, in memory of Elizabeth, countess of Shrewsbury, who is represented in her robes and coronet, lying on a mat, with a lion at her feet, and her head on a cushion. There are various shields of arms upon the sides of the tomb, with numerous quarterings, displaying the intermarriages and alliances of the family. The countess died in the 10th of Queen Elizabeth.

According to Lambard, Erith was anciently incorporated. It at present carries on a considerable trade in corn and wood, of which great quantities are annually shipped from the wharfs here.

Lesnes Abbey, in Erith parish, was founded in the year 1178, for canons regular of the order of St. Augustine, by Richard de Lucy, chief justice in the reign of Henry II. who became the first abbot; he died in the following year, and was buried in the choir of the church.

This abbey was suppressed in 1524; and in 1630, _ the estates being the property of Sir John Hippesley, knight, he, according to the account transmitted by Weever, in his "Funeral Monuments" "appointed certain workmen to digge amongst the rubbish of the decayed fabricke of the church (which had lain a long time buried in her own ruines, and groun over with oak, elm, and ash trees) for tomb stones. These happened upon a goodly funeral monument; the full proportion of a man, in his coate armour, his sword hanging at his side by a broad belt, upon which the flower-de-luce was engraven in many places; being, as I take it, the rebus or device of the Lucies. This, his (Sir Richard Lucie's) representation, or picture, lay upon a flat marble stone; that stone upon a trough, or coffin, of white smooth hewn asheler stone; in that coffin and a sheet of lead, both being made fit for the dimensions of a dead body, the remains of an ashie, drie, carkase lay enwrapped, whole and undisjointed, and upon the head some haire, or a simile quiddam of haire, appeared; they likewise found other statues of men in like manner proportioned, as also of a woman in her attire and habiliments, with many gravestones and bones of the deceased; to see all which great confluence of people resorted." The site of the abbey and the surrounding demesne are now occupied as a farm. Very considerable remains of the abbot's lodging still exist. The rooms in the ground-floor are of stone, and the upper of strong framed timber. The whole are comprised in the present farmhouse.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

ERITH is a parish on the south bank of the Thames, with a station on the North Kent section of the South Eastern and Chatham railway, standing exactly on the 12 mile circle, but is 15 ½ miles from Charing Cross, 3 north-west from Dartford and 10 north-west from Gravesend, in the North Western division of the county, Lessness hundred, lathe of Sutton-at-Hone, union and county court district of Dartford, in the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police, and in the rural deanery of East Dartford, archdeaconry of Maidstone and diocese of Canterbury. Erith (ora, a shore, and hithe, a haven), appears to have been the Saxon name for the church and parish, while Lessness, also Saxon, was the designation of the manor and of the hundred. The pier, built on wooden piles in 1842, is 444 feet long, and was formerly a steamboat station, but is now a railway landing stage for Messrs. Beadle Brothers Lim. The parish was from 1876 governed by a Local Board of nine members, but this is superseded by the Urban District Council under the “Local Government Act, 1894” (56 & 57 Vict. c. 73). Petty Sessions for Dartford division are held here the last Tuesday in each month at 3.30 p.m. The parish is lighted with oil lamps and supplied with water from Crayford by the Kent Water Works Co. A scheme of sewerage was completed in 1898 at a cost of £80,000. The parish church of St. John the Baptist, near the station, is a building of Tough flint and rubble, in the Early English and later styles, with 8 bells and contains some fine tombs and brasses and several stained windows; the church was completely restored and a north aisle added in 1877, at a total cost of £6,000, and in 1892 a new organ was erected at a cost of about £700; there are 600 siftings. The original registers dated from about 1625, but were destroyed by fire in 1877. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £365, with 8 acres of glebe, in the gift and impropriation of Lord Wynford, and held since 1894 by the Rev. George Adolphus Samuel Adams M.A. of Jesus College, Cambridge. Christ Church ecclesiastical parish was formed October 20Th 1874, from the civil parishes of Erith and Crayford, and comprises the eastern portion of the civil parish and the, Lesney Park Estate. Christ Church, erected in 1874, near the railway station, at a cost of £8,000, on a site given by Col. Wheatley, is an edifice of brick in the Lancet style and has one bell; a number of the windows are stained, and there are 720 sittings. The register dates from the year 1874. The living is a vicarage, with an endowment of £45, net yearly value £232, with residence, in the gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and held since 1891 by the Rev. Alfred William Boulden M.A. of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. There is a mission chapel in Arthur street, worked by clergy and lay helpers. The Catholic church, dedicated to St. Fidelis, is in West street and has 300 sittings; there is a schoolroom attached, and there are Wesleyan, Congregational and Baptist chapels. A recreation ground of 12 acres was provided by the Urban District Council in 1897, at a cost of £6,000, and contains two pavilions and a bandstand. Sainte Union Convent (des Sacres Cceurs), on the Bexley road, erected in 1879 for the education of young ladies as boarders, weekly boarders or day pupils, is conducted By the Religious of La Sainte Union des Sacres Cceurs, and visited by the Franciscan Fathes.

There is a Baptist chapel, in Bexley road, erected in 1859, having 200 sittings, and one in Queen street, built in 1875, to seat 650. The Congregational chapel, in the Avenue, was built in 1850, and will seat 350. There are also Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist chapels in the parish.

The Cemetery, at Northumberland Heath opened in May, 1894, comprises 10 acres of land acquired by the late Local Board at an inclusive estimated cost of about £7,000, and has mortuary chapels, it is now under the control of the Urban District Council: Jesse King, supt.

The Sanatorium for infectious diseases at Little Heath was built by the late Local Board in 1893 at a cost, excluding ground, but inclusive of fittings, of £1,227; it affords 15 beds. The Science and Art School here in connection with South Kensington is carried on under the control of the School Board. The Public Hall, built in 1871 at a cost of £1,800, by the Erith Public Hall Co. Limited, contains a hall seating 500, with ante-rooms, and is used for public meetings, concerts and assemblies. Erith is the head quarters of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. The town regatta is held on Whit Monday. Extensive brickfields lie on the eastern boundary of the parish, and the excavation of the hills, from which sand is transported by steam tramways as ballast for merchant ships in the port of London, has given to one portion of the parish a peculiar appearance; geological remains of much interest, including fossil tusks and bones of elephants, have been disinterred. The iron foundry of Messrs. Easton and Company Limited gives employment to about 750 hands; Vickers, Son and Maxim Limited employ a number of persons, and the mining and milling engineering works of Messrs. Fraser and Chalmers Ltd. a large number. There is also a cattle dock here. The Metropolitan Main Drainage southern outfall works are at Crossness point, in this parish. The Erith Crayford. Belvedere and Abbey Wood Cottage Hospital, established in 1871, has 9 beds for in-patients of each sex, and is supported by subscription. The Governors of Christ’s Hospital, who are the owners of Abbey Wood, are the principal landowners. The soil is chalky mail; subsoil, gravel and chalk. The area of the civil parish and Urban District is 3,853 acres of land, 1 of water, 635 of tidal water and 109 of foreshore; rateable value, £140,153; the population of the parish in 1881 was 9,584, in 1891, 13,414, and in 1901, 25,296, including 186 on vessels and 25 on barges.

The population of the ecclesiastical parishes in 1901 was St. John the Baptist (parish church), 12,434; Christ Church, 4,215.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of services

St. John the Baptist, Rev. G. A. S. Adams M.A. vicar; 8 & 11 a.m.. & 6.30 p.m.; wed. 8 p.m.

Christ Church, Rev. Alfred Wm. Boulden. M.A. vicar; 8 & 11 a.m. & 3.15 & 7 p.m.; daily matins 7,30 a.m.; evensong, 5 p.m.; wed. & fri. 11 a.m.; fri. 7 p.m.

Mission Chapel, Arthur street, Rev. Alfred William Boulden M.A. licensed lay helpers, William Anderson J.P., E. W. Anderson, F. Anderson & W. A. Moore; services 10 a.m. (for children) & 7; thurs. 7.30 p.m.

St. Paul’s, Northumberland Heath Rev. H. W. Watson M.A. vicar-designate; 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. (6.30 p.m. in sum.); thurs. 7.45 p.m.

St. Fidelis Catholic, Rev. Father Bernardine, superior; Rev. Father Ignatius, Rev. Father Edward O.S.T.C. & Rev. Elzeur Hanley; 8.30 & 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; daily mass, 7 & 8 a.m.; 7 p.m.; holy days, mass 9 a.m. & benediction 7 p.m.

Baptist, Rev. Jn. Eastwood Martin; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Baptist (Providence); 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; thurs. 7 p.m.

Congregational (Avenue), Rev. Heber Rosier; 11 a.m.. & 6.30 p.m.; wed. 7.30 p.m.

Primitive Methodist, Riverdale road, Rev. Ernest Barrett; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; wed. 7 p.m.

Wesleyan, Pier road (Gravesend & Dartford Circuit), Rev. Charles W. Mitton; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; tues. 7 p.m.

Northumberland Heath London City Mission Hall, Albert Weller, missionary; 3 & 6.30 p.m.; tues. 7.30 p.m.

SCHOOLS

A School Board for the whole of the civil parish, which includes Belvedere, Lessness Heath Northumberland Heath Abbey Wood, Bedenwell & Erith Marshes, was established 4 April, 1871, & consists of 9 members; Henry William Smith offices, Crescent road, residence, The Cottage, Bedwell road, Belvedere, clerk to the board; Philip Trott, Northumberland Heath & H. Stickland, Woolwich road, Belvedere, attendance officers.

Board, Manor road (boys), built in 1875, for 267 children; average attendance, 287.

Board, Crescent road (girls), built in 1875 & since enlarged, for 256 children; average attendance, 216.

Board, Crescent road (infants), built in 1875, for 276 children; average attendance, 199.

Central, Board, West street, built in 1901, for 1,360 children; 420 boys, 420 girls & 520 infants; average attendance, 1,020.

St. Fidelis Catholic (mixed), West street, built for 100 children; average attendance, 79.

Kelly's Directory of Kent (1903)

Most Common Surnames in Erith

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Lessness Hundred
1Smith1451:680.98%1
2Beadle771:12819.11%409
3Gilbert711:1385.26%86
4Wright581:1692.48%26
4Clark581:1691.79%13
6Green521:1892.26%28
6Button521:18916.20%545
8Robinson511:1932.83%47
9Sims501:1968.98%273
10Brown471:2090.80%2
10Wood471:2090.92%5
12Cook441:2231.78%24
13Harris431:2281.19%10
13Jarvis431:2283.83%115
15Munns411:24021.03%897
16Phillips391:2522.19%50
17Thomas381:2591.87%37
17White381:2590.97%8
17Adams381:2592.03%43
20Martin361:2730.72%6
21Jones351:2810.83%7
21Russell351:2811.34%19
23Taylor341:2890.63%3
24Miles331:2982.34%81
25Jackson311:3172.01%67
25Collins311:3171.18%17
25Stone311:3172.33%90
28Munn301:3277.79%437
29King291:3390.83%11
29May291:3391.69%56
31Warner281:3514.96%268
31Faulkner281:3519.72%597
33Baker271:3640.53%4
33Marshall271:3641.96%83
33Saunders271:3641.78%71
33Field271:3642.70%130
37Wilson261:3780.96%16
37Moore261:3781.20%33
37Austin261:3782.12%101
37Tinker261:37855.32%2,923
37Benge261:37814.77%983
42Turner251:3930.84%15
42Holloway251:3936.10%393
44Edwards241:4090.99%25
44Lee241:4091.58%70
44Price241:4091.83%92
44Elliott241:4092.22%120
44Giles241:4092.85%159
44Atkins241:4092.71%148
44Prescott241:4099.38%677
51Morgan231:4271.65%82
51Allen231:4270.92%23
51Webb231:4270.92%22
51Fox231:4272.15%123
51Watts231:4272.27%129
51Cross231:4275.65%401
51Franklin231:4276.73%502
51Jenner231:4272.15%124
51Allwright231:42731.51%2,078
60Bellingham221:4478.24%646
60Stapley221:4477.72%606
62Hughes211:4681.44%78
62Hunter211:4685.29%417
62Barnett211:4683.92%280
62Monk211:4685.57%452
66Richards201:4911.55%93
66Lucas201:4913.26%247
66Herbert201:4915.29%451
66Coles201:4918.10%718
66Roper201:49112.35%1,050
66Bayley201:4917.30%628
66Parish201:49110.42%915
66Ellard201:49125.64%1,967
74Johnson191:5170.57%12
74Cooper191:5170.74%21
74Carter191:5170.91%36
74Hudson191:5172.39%170
74Page191:5171.19%61
74Warren191:5172.46%176
74Skinner191:5171.13%57
74Goodman191:5176.15%565
82Hall181:5460.82%31
82Read181:5461.67%121
82Blake181:5462.93%246
82Jeffries181:54610.00%962
82Pitman181:54624.00%2,030
82Pitcher181:5468.26%822
82Catchpole181:54627.69%2,291
82McKey181:54626.09%2,183
82Brundish181:546100.00%6,047
82Corsan181:546100.00%6,047
92West171:5780.81%35
92Pearce171:5781.54%118
92Weeks171:5782.46%208
92Warman171:5787.30%775
92Ellen171:5788.37%867
97Williams161:6140.43%9
97Roberts161:6140.82%40
97Richardson161:6141.09%77
97Ellis161:6141.11%80
97Owen161:6143.08%295
97Day161:6140.89%48
97Spencer161:6143.47%342
97Wells161:6140.73%32
97French161:6141.61%131
97Reeves161:6141.28%98
97Clements161:6142.58%245
97Hind161:61423.19%2,183
97Brazier161:6146.61%733
97Hate161:614100.00%6,630
111Hill151:6550.95%64
111Mitchell151:6550.94%63
111Clarke151:6550.94%60
111Barnes151:6550.94%62
111Palmer151:6550.85%53
111Hamilton151:6554.18%475
111Fowler151:6552.65%265
111Osborne151:6551.91%172
111Burrows151:6553.95%447
111Cartwright151:65514.15%1,505
111Vincent151:6555.58%642
111Barnard151:6553.23%340
111Bridges151:6554.20%478
111Crisp151:65512.40%1,340
111Sibley151:65523.08%2,291
111Seal151:6553.66%393
111Wickham151:6553.86%429
111Crone151:65546.88%3,974
111McKrill151:65583.33%6,047
130Davies141:7021.94%200
130Bennett141:7020.73%42
130Chapman141:7020.46%14
130Mason141:7021.56%145
130Jenkins141:7021.70%163
130Graham141:7022.90%322
130Murphy141:7022.12%224
130Bishop141:7021.07%91
130Lane141:7021.43%133
130Sutton141:7021.03%84
130Willis141:7021.74%167
130Middleton141:7023.25%369
130Houghton141:7029.66%1,155
130Wyatt141:7025.19%639
130Bridge141:7026.06%784
130Appleton141:7024.52%561
130Marchant141:7021.98%204
130Hearn141:7025.51%692
130Wiggins141:70212.84%1,464
130Stoneham141:7027.69%948
130Colls141:70238.89%3,606
130Guile141:70287.50%6,630
130Hobdell141:702100.00%7,263
153Gray131:7561.42%141
153Hart131:7561.13%112
153Newman131:7561.09%104
153Wheeler131:7561.52%155
153Lambert131:7561.93%217
153Sykes131:75613.13%1,599
153Parkinson131:7567.88%1,038
153Norris131:7561.69%177
153Davey131:7563.12%387
153Wade131:7564.17%557
153Steward131:7567.88%1,038
153Ansell131:7563.78%497
153Jeavons131:75639.39%3,879
153Perfect131:75614.29%1,719
153Wates131:75627.08%2,888
168Thompson121:8190.61%41
168Anderson121:8190.97%99
168Bell121:8191.43%160
168Holmes121:8191.23%134
168Fletcher121:8191.77%214
168Andrews121:8190.67%49
168Fuller121:8190.81%73
168Broughton121:8197.89%1,105
168Duke121:8197.10%1,008
168Woodley121:8198.82%1,218
168Kimpton121:81948.00%4,779
168Common121:81992.31%7,644
168Shave121:81925.53%2,923
168Rushbrook121:81933.33%3,606
168Savery121:81936.36%3,879
168Scudder121:8198.89%1,226
168Showler121:81975.00%6,630
168Eastop121:81980.00%6,935
186Evans111:8930.71%66
186Davis111:8930.42%18
186Fisher111:8931.02%122
186Harvey111:8930.82%87
186Bird111:8931.77%244
186Hawkins111:8930.94%107
186Barber111:8931.71%232
186Coleman111:8931.03%125
186Bull111:8932.41%347
186Terry111:8930.74%74
186Emery111:8933.93%617
186Nicholas111:89312.36%1,761
186Patrick111:89310.38%1,505
186Amos111:8931.24%147
186Durrant111:8933.10%479
186Driscoll111:8935.24%847
186Wilton111:89315.07%2,078
186Croucher111:8931.59%209
186Creed111:8935.70%907
186Dunham111:89323.91%2,972
186Cullum111:89315.94%2,183
186Earley111:89321.57%2,759
186Gaze111:89326.83%3,259
186Clench111:89364.71%6,318
186Eaglestone111:89316.67%2,268
186Prizeman111:89357.89%5,815
186Farelly111:893100.00%8,577