Welling High Street: Roman Road and Railway Shaped Shopping Hub
The suburb's linear development is a direct result of its history as a Roman route and a railway stop.
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Welling High Street, now a significant shopping centre in the London Borough of Bexley, stretches for almost a mile and houses over 250 businesses. This extensive retail area has developed along the route of Watling Street, an ancient Roman road that once connected London with Dover.
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The area, originally part of the manor of East Wickham, was a small village for many years. A 1769 map shows only a few buildings along the road, surrounded by farmland and heathland. The road itself, which became Welling High Street and Bellegrove Road, followed the path of Watling Street, with evidence suggesting an earlier trackway predating Roman times. Welling's position on this key route made it a natural stopping point for coaches travelling between London and Kent, leading to the establishment of coaching inns and the gradual appearance of shops.
The Railway's Impact
A major turning point in Welling's development was the opening of the Bexleyheath railway line in 1895, with Welling station built at the western end of the centre. This made commuting to London and Dartford more accessible, transforming Welling into a viable residential area for those working in the city. The period after the First World War saw a dramatic acceleration in growth. Between 1920 and 1926, Bexley Urban District Council constructed 426 homes north of the railway as part of the Welling Council Housing Scheme. Simultaneously, land sales from the Danson Estate allowed private developers to build houses south of Watling Street, leading to further expansion throughout the 1930s.
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Shaping the High Street
The influx of new residents created demand for shopping facilities, leading to the construction of shop parades along the main road. Bexley Council notes that Welling's historical connection to Watling Street is the reason for its distinctive linear shape, with development spreading along the road rather than concentrating in a town square. The modern town centre encompasses Welling High Street, parts of Bellegrove Road, and Upper Wickham Lane. Despite redevelopment, the suburb retains historical elements, including the nearly mile-long shopping area with over 250 outlets and several historic buildings, such as a Russian cannon at Welling Corner.
Questions this report answers
+How long is Welling High Street and how many shops does it have?
Welling High Street now stretches for almost a mile and contains more than 250 shops and businesses. This makes it one of the largest shopping centres within the London Borough of Bexley.
+What historical factors influenced Welling's development?
Welling's growth was significantly shaped by its location on Watling Street, a Roman road, which made it a staging post for travellers. The arrival of the Bexleyheath railway line in 1895 further boosted its development by improving transport links.
+When were new homes built in Welling as part of its expansion?
Between 1920 and 1926, Bexley Urban District Council built 426 homes north of the railway line as part of the Welling Council Housing Scheme. This contributed to the increased population and demand for shopping facilities.
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