The Cross Keys at Erith survived aerial bombardment in the Second World War, and even worse, the town redevelopment of the 1960s.

This view from 1994 shows the Cross Keys and another pub, the White Hart to its right, with the Playhouse Theatre nestled in between.

The ornate structure of the Cross Keys now looks out of place. This aerial view from 1995 shows the pub still towering above a desolate scene of mudflats and car parks.

Its unusual architecture has possibly helped it to survive. A pub that held the keys to the local church often gained the name "Cross Keys", but this pub was more likely to guard the wharves and warehouses in days gone by.

Moving back in time to 1972, this picture shows that the modern Playhouse has not yet been built. The old Oxford Cinema sits next door to the pub. The cinema probably provided regular customers who were ready for a pint after watching a good film or newsreel.

Looking back further in time to 1907, neither the Playhouse nor cinema existed, and the White Hart pub looked very different. The familiar architecture of the Cross Keys, though, can just be seen on the left.

Erith high street ran along the waterfront before curving inland. This photograph taken from the waterfront in 1905, shows the tall chimney-stacks of Cross Keys further down the road, and places it firmly in the vibrant community that once existed here.

The Cross Keys
36 Erith High Street, Erith, Kent DA8 1QY