Martens Avenue, Barnehurst, 1934
Martens Avenue, Barnehurst (1934)
Credit: Ideal Homes
The main road, bottom left, is Watling Street, whose tram service to Bexleyheath
and Dartford would have been essential to those moving in.

This view is taken from the top of the gasholder - a visual intrusion no new resident could ignore.This view of the entrance to Ayling’s Martens Grove Estate eloquently shows the reality of suburban development.

Raw completed houses look uncomfortable; buntinged front gardens contrast awkwardly with featureless back gardens; eye catching aggressive promotion concentrates on price, while behind the building process continues

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