Deptford

Overview

From the railway arches to the banks of Deptford Creek, this multifaceted south-east London neighbourhood is turning its industrial past on its head with exciting community-centred spaces - you can’t miss Deptford Lounge, the golden-hued public library - independent shops and new builds constantly popping up. But some things remain the same: the giant anchor on the high street giving a firm nod to the area’s naval past; or the tireless bargain hunt every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the beloved Deptford High Street Market and Douglas Way.

The unruly post-war landscape reveals a series of residential gems: the well-kept Georgian homes lining the cobbled Albury Street; the Victorian terraces in St John’s conservation area; the smart neighbourhoods of new builds driving ambitious plans for regeneration. Drawn to its youthful, down-to-earth character and fairly affordable prices, commuting professionals benefit from easy journeys into the heart of the city. After all, London Bridge is just one train stop away, while the DLR will take you from Deptford Bridge to Bank in under 25 minutes.

Dive into the storied maritime history and creative rebirth of multicultural Deptford right here.

Interesting Facts

• Deptford Market’s proud history starts in 1872 as a place to buy foreign cattle and sheep.
• Major British bands of the 1970s-80s such as Dire Straits emerged - and played their first gig - in the industrial recesses of Crossfield Estate, a working-class housing estate highly significant to the wider local, artist and LGBTQ+ community.
• The futuristic, RIBA award-winning Laban Dance Centre prides itself on being “the world’s largest purpose-built contemporary dance centre”, according to its website, and a major show-stopper at this regenerated part of Creekside.
• A diverse family of Vietnamese, Afro-Caribbean, Chinese and other communities call Deptford home and contribute to its rich local culture - from the unexpected market treasures to the appetising global dishes.

Amenities

University Hospital Lewisham is a 10-minute drive from Deptford station. Kingfisher Medical Centre and Deptford Surgery are two of the most highly-rated GP surgeries providing healthcare to local residents.

Attractions

Things to do

There’s no shortage of green spaces in the area, with Deptford Park, Pepys Park, Fordham Park and Folkestone Gardens - which include a skatepark - offering laid-back escapes from the bustling centre. To get the full Deptford experience, here’s where to find the best shops, hangouts, cultural and eco-friendly activities this side of the river.

• Deptford Market Yard revitalised the area around the station, welcoming a fantastic range of traders, cafés and restaurants with a bubbly vibe.
• The history-laden Albany Theatre is an inclusive community arts centre hosting from spoken word to club nights and children’s shows. We Are Lewisham, a rich programme of events celebrating the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022, was jointly led by the theatre and the council.
• It’s easy to get your fill of arts and culture here: Deptford Heritage Festival celebrates the area’s heroes and history on May Day each year; the free annual Deptford X Festival puts visual arts front and centre; APT Gallery (Art in Perpetuity Trust) brings a burst of contemporary creativity in the banks of the creek.
• Explore a different side of Deptford with the Creekside Discovery Centre, which champions the area’s biodiversity with low-tide walks, talks and experiential learning activities for schools and locals.

History

One of Lewisham’s oldest settlements, Deptford started life on the banks of the river Thames. In 1513, Deptford Dockyard was founded in an ideal location close to Herny VIII’s Greenwich home - though, here, is where the workers stayed - and, for over three centuries, the shipbuilding business thrived. The closure of the dockyard in the 19th century saw the area fall on hard times.

A variety of conservation areas highlight the historical significance of this highly industrial part of south-east London: Deptford Creekside, where the Thames meets its tributary Ravensbourne River; the High Street with the beautiful baroque church of St Paul’s and its 18th-century properties; the baroque town hall, where the Borough of Deptford developed from 1895 onwards; St John’s conservation area, known in the 19th century as Deptford New Town.

Developments

Deptford Landings (formerly The Timberyard) includes six neighbourhoods of new builds, public spaces and workspaces between Pepys and Deptford Park - as well as the refurbished, three-storey Victoria pub, whose history goes back to Victorian times.

A nod to the neighbourhood’s industrial legacy, Deptford Foundry by Anthology combines private homes and studio spaces spread across eight new buildings and one tower block. The original metal foundry that stood here was formed in 1831 by engineer Josiah Stone.

Education

Education in the area

Out of several primary schools in SE8, Tidemill Academy has been rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted. The independent boys’ boarding school Marathon Science School also stands out for its Islamic values. A choice of special schools can be found in nearby postcodes, such as the independent Cavendish School in Surrey Quays and Treasure House (London) CIC in Peckham.

For more information about the performance of the schools in the area, please visit gov.uk.

Worship

Places of worship

Designed by Thomas Archer, the Grade I-listed parish church of St Paul’s dates from 1730 and is an exquisite example of English Italianate baroque. Founded in 1842, the Catholic church of Our Lady of The Assumption served workers in the local shipyards and on the railways. Other places of worship include St Nicholas’ Church In Deptford Green and the Deptford Methodist Church on Creek Road. The Albaraka Islamic Resource Centre in Lewisham is also within walking distance.