In about 1860 local brick and tile-maker, Mr. Gates, sold his land and pottery to the British Land Company, who developed it as the Herbert Estate. Gates in top hat is pictured with one of his workman at the edge of his land, showing what was to become Herbert Road.

The Herbert Estate development was up-market in character and appealed to managers and scientists from the Arsenal, and officers from the regiments garrisoned in Woolwich. By 1900 Herbert Road had become a distinctive up-market shopping parade favoured by wealthy, middle class citizens due to its outstanding range of elegant shops and friendly, attentive shopkeepers. The parade continued to flourish until the seventies, when the local economy went into decline with the closure of the Arsenal.

Current Development

At present, Herbert Road is not only a local shopping parade, it covers pretty much all that you need on your doorstep. It brings together services, food and products from all around the world. You can taste flavours from all over the world, use all the services you need within a couple minutes walk. The diverse mix of businesses with their attentive, caring shopkeepers is what makes shopping in Herbert Road an unforgettable experience in comparison to other shopping parades.