The borough also took in a small area formerly administered by Camberwell Vestry on the western slopes of Forest Hill.

[1] While there had been minor industry along the River Ravensbourne for centuries and the extension of the railways had seen suburban development, there were still large areas of farmland at the time of the borough's formation.

The borough bordered Deptford, Greenwich, Camberwell, and had a portion of the southern boundary of the county of London.

Places in it included Lewisham, Blackheath, Lee, Hither Green, Catford, Brockley, Forest Hill and part of Sydenham.

[6] The shield was greatly simplified: A Saxon crown and golden lion recalled the association of King Alfred with the area.