Deptford, a very populous village, containing a royal dockyard and victualling office,as well as several large private docks, is the first place visited by the Thames. Its inhabitants, the number of which equals that of some of the most considerable  tons in England are chiefly employed in occupations relative to ship-building and navigation. It also carries on an extensive manufacture of earthenware. On board his ship in this place the celebrated Drake was visited by queen Elizabeth in 1581, who after dining with him honoured him with knighthood, and gave him the World in a Ship for his arms. This village is decorated with two churches which are by no means too large for its population.

Jane Austen References

Letter to Cassandra Austen dated 18th September 1796

Letter to Cassandra Austen dated 15th June 1808