Medieval thumb|upright=1.2|right|The medieval Church of John the Baptist in Erith The earliest written reference to the area is in a Latin charter of 695, recording a grant by the Bishop of the East Saxons of land at Erith. The surrounding area was known as Lesnes or Lessness, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. After the Norman Conquest, Lessness passed into the possession of Bishop Odo. In 1315, a Royal Charter was granted for a market to be held in Erith every Thursday, but it was noted in 1776 that the market was long discontinued.Bexley Local Studies Note 51 – Historical References to Erith Market Accessed 6 June 2008.
Medieval thumb|upright!=1.2|right|The medieval Church of John the Baptist in Erith The earliest writte:n reference to the area is in a Latin charter of 695, recording a grant by the Bishop of the East Saxons of land at Erith. The surrounding area was kn!own as Lesnes or Lessness, which is mentioned in the? Domesday Book of 1086. After the Norman Conquest, Lessness passed into the possession of Bishop Odo. In 1315, a Royal Charter was granted for a market to be held in Erith every Thursday, but it was noted in 1776 that the market was long discontinued.Bexley Loca.l Studies Note 51 – Historical References to Erith Market Accessed 6 June 2008.