Greenwich is famed the world over thanks to Greenwich Mean Time and the borough's royal connections.

Located on the south-east side of the Thames, only a short distance from the City and West End, Greenwich is famous as the site of some of London's most popular visitor attractions, including the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark.

Greenwich - which probably derives its name from the Anglo-Saxon for 'green village' was in the hands of the Danes in the 10th century, but this connection ended in 1414.

Soon after this Duke Humphrey of Gloucester was granted the right to create a 200-acre park at Greenwich. In its grounds he built a fine house on the riverside which was to become the royal Palace of Placentia, and then Greenwich palace, a favourite home of the Tudor monarchs.

It was also the birthplace of Henry VIII and his daughters Elizabeth and Mary.

Much of the palace has been destroyed, but the Queen's House remains and is now at the centre of the National Maritime Museum.

In 1694, a royal hospital for seaman was set up. The hospital was closed in 1869, and the buildings were taken over by the Royal Naval College. The buildings are now occupied by the University of Greenwich and the Trinity College of Music. The site is now known as the Old Royal Naval College.

In 1831, the town centre was rebuilt, and much of the resulting Georgian architecture remains intact.

In 1858, the existing London Bridge to Deptford railway line was extended to Greenwich, bringing with it Londoners wishing to escape the city. Widespread development took place and the town's economy flourished.

Greenwich is well known for the diversity of its shopping, with weekend markets an important feature of Greenwich life.

A host of restaurants, bars and cafes offer a cosmopolitan range of cuisine, while Greenwich is also home to a large number of historic pubs.