Greenwich to celebrate becoming royal borough

People in flats to rent in Greenwich are set to see various festivities and ceremonies taking place to commemorate the area becoming a royal borough for the first time.

The region has had its new status confirmed as part of the Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations this year, with the changeover to be formalised on February 3rd 2012 when the Letter Patent is presented to the borough.

During the following weekend, events and fireworks displays will be taking place in Eltham and Greenwich town centres, with a black poplar tree donated by the Queen to mark the jubilee set to be planted at Well Hall Pleasaunce in Eltham on February 4th.

To commemorate the momentous occasion, Greenwich will be unveiling a new borough crest to signify its royal status, which is based on the existing coat of arms but with new heraldic features added, such as the Tudor Rose.

It has been designed by the Royal College of Arms and comes after hundreds of local schoolchildren and members of the public were asked to submit suggestions of their own last year, many of which were displayed at a Woolwich Town Hall exhibition.

This kicks off what is expected to be an exciting year for Greenwich residents, as the 2012 Olympic Games is also set to bring various benefits to the new royal borough.

A total of 34 events are being held in Greenwich's three major venues, with hundreds of thousands of people set to attend, meaning the area has received funding to create various new amenities and facilities.

Such developments recently led travel guide Frommer's to name Greenwich as one of the world's top ten destinations for 2012.

Chris Roberts, leader of Greenwich Council, said: "These two major events will help place Greenwich in the world's spotlight and I am as determined as ever to make sure that Greenwich seizes this opportunity to attract benefits for local residents that will last for generations to come."

Posted by Andy Britten

Published 19th January, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited