The borough was formed from four civil parishes: Charlton-next-Woolwich, Deptford St Nicholas, Greenwich and Kidbrooke.

The population in each decennial census was: Constituent parishes 1801–1899 Metropolitan Borough 1900–1961 The borough was divided into eight wards for elections: Charlton & Kidbrooke, Marsh, North West, North, South East, South, St Nicholas Deptford and West.

[12] Three years later the position was reversed, with Municipal Reformers retaking control with 22 seats to Labour's 11.

[13] At the 1925 election the Municipal Reform and Labour parties both took 15 seats, and the borough council was consequently under no overall control.

[17] Elections were again suspended during the Second World War, the next contest being in 1945: Labour held the borough.

[18] Elections to boroughs due in November 1948 were postponed to May 1949 to coincide with those for county councils.

The central band bearing an hour-glass represented the Greenwich Meridian and the surrounding stars the Royal Observatory.

The crest above the shield was an ancient ship and crossed anchors, standing for the connections of Greenwich with the Royal Navy.

Today it thrives as the West Greenwich Community and Arts Centre; the building was recently restored and refurbished.