Eltham is a large district of south-east London situated on the very south-eastern outskirts of the city.

For many years Eltham remained a sparsely populated area of Kent, with the main features being several impressive manor houses, mansions, and the Tudor splendour of Eltham Palace.

Some of these mansions remain today, and most notably Eltham Palace has recently been opened to the public.

Eltham remained a rural area much longer than many other districts of London, not becoming massively developed until this century. The main reason for this is the fact that the railways didn’t reach the district until the early 20th century.

Once the expansion of London reached Eltham the area soon developed into a sprawling suburb. Nevertheless the district retains a village feel to it and is renowned as one of London’s more attractive suburbs.