With its stunning architecture and a history which is almost endlessly interesting, Greenwich has long inspired authors to put pen to paper for both non-fiction and more creative writing. Here’s our guide to just some of the many books available relating to Greenwich and surrounds.
Greenwich Riverside. Upper Watergate to Angerstein
Mary Mills
Another superb local history book from Dr Mary Mills telling the stories of Greenwich Riverside. Published on Amazon. £15.
111 Places in Greenwich
S Berchemin & M Dunford
Well-illustrated insider’s guide to popular and not so well known must-visit places in Greenwich and nearby written by locals.
Emons Verlag. 2021.
Greenwich Park
Katherine Faulkner
Greenwich is the backdrop for this tense psychological thriller by Katherine Faulkner which was published in April 2021 by Raven Books.
Greenwich Peninsula Greenwich Marsh
Mary Mills
A new history of the area now known as Greenwich Peninsula which was formerly referred to as Greenwich Marsh, written by popular local historian Mary Mills. 2020.
GHS Journal 2017/2018
Edited by Julian Watson
The Greenwich Historical Society’s newest journal includes a detailed account of the death of parachutist Robert Cocking, an essay on early gas light in Greenwich and a look at a roman burial site in Greenwich Park with attractive colour illustrations.
GHS. 2018.
Secret Greenwich
David C. Ramzan
Prolific author of Greenwich history David Ramzan has put together this guide to ‘Secret Greenwich’ with his favourite lesser known stories and sights from the borough including subterranean Greenwich and local heroes and villains.
Amberley Publishing. 2017.
GHS Journal Vol 4 No 6
Edited by Julian Watson
GHS President Anthony Cross tells the story of F.W. Simms and his large, detailed house-by-house map of Greenwich produced in 1837 which is stored in sections at Greenwich Heritage Centre. Also has an obituary of Barbara Ludlow.
GHS. 2017.
Greenwich Market Cookbook
Rebecca Seal
The traders and store owners of Greenwich Market and its surrounding shops including Red Door Cafe, Mogul and Lilika’s Treats have contributed their favourite recipes to this fun compilation.
Kitchen Press. 2016.
Innovation, Enterprise & Change on the Greenwich Peninsula
Mary Mills
Industrial historian and former councillor for the area Dr Mary Mills presents an entertaining and accessible guide to the fascinating and fast changing history of the former East Greenwich marshes.
Self Published. 2015.
Greenwich Then & Now
Barbara Ludlow & Julian Watson
An interesting collection of ‘then and now’ scenes from across the borough of Greenwich compiled by two of the most well known recent figures in local history. Charming old images of Greenwich’s most famous attractions are the highlights.
The History Press. 2012.
Survey of London: Woolwich
Andrew Saint & Peter Guillery
The 48th iteration of the important and influential Survey of London series casts a detailed eye at Woolwich from pre-Roman times up to the time of publication. This is a heavyweight tome for those with a serious interest in SE18.
Yale University Press. 2012.
Greenwich & the London River
Paul Tempest, Peter Kent
Released in 2012 to coincide with the hosting of the Olympics and Greenwich becoming a Royal borough, this celebration of Greenwich and the river includes fabulous illustrations by well known local artist Peter Kent.
Medina Publishing. 2012.
The Story of Greenwich
Clive Aslet
This evocative & beautifully illustrated hardback book is considered by many to be the definitive account of Greenwich’s development from its early origins up to when the book was published in time for the millennium.
Fourth Estate. 1999.
Of Ships and Stars
K Littlewood. B Butler.
The story of the founding of the National Maritime Museum in 1934 and subsequent development is told in superb detail by Kevin Littlewood and Beverley Butler. A foreword is provided by Prince Philip. .
Continuum International. 1998.
Grandfather’s Greenwich
Alan Glencross
Published in 1973, this well known local history book takes the reader on a tour of 1880s Greenwich using the photographs of street characters that make up what is known as the Spurgeon Collection.
HarperCollins. 1973.