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15
The unique position held by Greenwich in Britain's history
has its counterpart in the nation's industrial story. From earliest
years its residents have been closely linked with the sea and ships
and Britain's ascendancy in respect of them for over 1,000 years.
This association, manifest since before the advent of the ancient
"wooden walls" until after the birth of the "ironclad" has, to a
very large extent, determined the pattern of industry in the
Borough.
A further influence on local industry was provided early in its
history by the siting close to Greenwich Palace of the Royal
Armoury. By the reign of Henry VIII, russet steel suits of armour
from this armoury had already become renowned, and modern
metal products from Greenwich continue this distinction. Indeed,
throughout its annals, the country has never demanded armaments
and accoutrements from Greenwich industry in vain. Even records
covering the last war will clearly reveal the great contributions
made by these industries with special reference to PLUTO, FIDO
and the famous Mulberry harbour.
The majority of the industries and sources of employment in
the Borough are to be found in close proximity to the River Thames
which forms the Borough boundary on the north side. Chief among
these are large Cable and Engineering Works, Ship Repairing
Works, Gas Works, Soap and Candle Works, L.T.E. Generating
Station and Carriage Repair Depot, The British Electricity
Authority's Works, Glass Bottle Works, Rope Works, Ship Propelling
Works, Merryweather's Works (Fire Engines), Cement and
Stone Works, Asbestos Works, Cold Meat Storage, Pressed Tool
Works, Constructional Engineering Works, Galvanising and Sheet
Metal Works, Brewery, Flour Mills, Aero Parts, Wireless and
Vehicle Parts and Tin Box Manufacturing Works.
The numbers employed at 11 of the larger factories range
between 500 and 5,000 each, whilst 17 smaller works each employ
between 100 and 400.