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for military displays since the latter half of the 18th century, a
practice which is continued today with the Royal Regiment of
Artillery's Annual Tattoo.
Likely to add still further to the already compelling attractions
of the Borough is a scheme about to be launched to develop the
Cutty Sark Gardens/Greenwich Pier area in a manner worthy
of the Borough's historical associations.
Greenwich can boast of modern public baths. There are four
such establishments within the Borough, each of which has two
swimming pools. Moreover, at Eltham, the Council has provided
a hydrotherapy pool, and on the Abbey Estate, has introduced a
launderette. Warm baths for men and women are to be had at
Greenwich, Plumstead and Woolwich and, at the former two
premises, in addition to Turkish and Vapour Baths, public
laundries still operate. In winter, the large pools at Eltham, Greenwich
and Woolwich are covered and utilised for a wide range of
recreational pursuits such as roller skating, badminton, table tennis,
etc., and facilities are made available for indoor bowling and the
use of indoor cricket practice nets.
The Council has control of the five cemeteries located within the
Borough and, on behalf of the Woolwich, Greenwich and North
West Kent Crematorium Board, is responsible for the modern
crematorium at Eltham.
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 ascendency 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.
Early in its history, local industry was influenced by the area's
close association with royalty and the demands which it and its
retinues made on the neighbourhood. For instance, the siting close
to Greenwich Palace of the Royal Armoury in the reign of Henry
VIII gave rise to the production of russet steel suits of armour
which became renowned and modern metal products from Greenwich
continue this distinction. Connections with shipbuilding and
armaments, forged in the days of Britain's peril, are perpetuated in
existing industries. 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.
In the main, industries and sources of employment of the