When was Greenwich first recorded in history?
Greenwich was first recorded as Gronewic in an Anglo-Saxon charter of 918. The name translates to green wic or green emporium, indicating a settlement that was once a bustling trading post.
Common questions about Greenwich
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who was born at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich?
Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were both born at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich. Elizabeth entered the world on the 7th of September 1533, and the palace served as the birthplace of the Tudor dynasty.
When was the Royal Observatory established in Greenwich?
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich was established in 1675 by a decision made by Charles II. It became the home of the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, and the site where the Prime Meridian was established.
What happened to Archbishop Alphege in Greenwich during the Viking Age?
Archbishop Alphege was taken prisoner by the Danish fleet in Greenwich in the year 1012. He was stoned to death for his refusal to allow his ransom of 3,000 pieces of silver to be paid.
When did the Greenwich foot tunnel open to the public?
The Greenwich foot tunnel opened on the 4th of August 1902. It connects Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs on the northern side of the River Thames.
When was Maritime Greenwich added to the list of World Heritage Sites?
Maritime Greenwich was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1997. The designation recognized the concentration and quality of buildings of historic and architectural interest in the area.