Date Published 12 February 2026
The Royal Borough of Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is globally famous as the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian (0° longitude).
As a major Tudor royal residence, it was the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Key attractions include the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and the Painted Hall.
Interesting Facts.
• Time Capital: Since 1884, the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory has served as the international reference point for time.
• Tudor Birthplace: Henry VIII, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I were all born at the Palace of Placentia, which stood where the Old Royal Naval College is today.
• Maritime Power: Greenwich was a major naval hub, featuring the Royal Naval College and Woolwich Dockyard, established by Henry VIII.
• Greenwich Park: As London's oldest Royal Park, it once featured a palace where Elizabeth I allegedly danced, and it still holds a 17th- century deer park.
• "Sistine Chapel" of the UK: The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is renowned for its magnificent 18th - century Baroque ceiling paintings.
Famous People.
• Monarchs: Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I were all born in the borough.
• Historical Figures: Dr. Samuel Johnson lived on Greenwich Church Street in 1736, and explorer Henry Kelsey was born in East Greenwich.
• Artists & Performers: Comedian Dan Leno and saucy postcard artist Donald McGill have connections to the area.
• Modern Era: Drummer Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience) was born in Greenwich, and actor Benedict Cumberbatch has filmed in the area.
• Sports: Footballers Glen Johnson and Gary Moore were born in the borough.
