[1] The name Erith comes from the Saxon ‘Earhyth’ meaning muddy landing place.

In the 16th century King Henry VIII established a naval dockyard in Erith.

It became a trading hub, as spices and cotton from the East Indies were delivered onto London.

A naval storehouse was constructed at Erith in 1512 that was managed by the Keeper of the Kings Storehouses who was one of the Clerks of the Kings Marine a Tudor (naval administrator).

[5] The Master Shipwright was usually the key official at the Royal Navy dockyards until the introduction of resident commissioners by the Navy Board after which he became deputy to the resident commissioner.