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The town is recorded as [[Gravesham]] in the [[Domesday Book]] in 1086 as belonging to [[Odo of Bayeux|Odo]], [[Bishop of Bayeux]] and called 'Gravesham': a name probably derived from "graaf-ham": the home of the Reeve, or Bailiff, of the [[Lord of the Manor]]. Another theory suggests that the name Gravesham may be a corruption of the words grafs-ham - a place 'at the end of the grove'. Myth has it that Gravesend got its name because, during the outbreak of [[Bubonic Plague]] in the [[1600s]], the town was the place where victims were no longer buried on land - they were buried at sea (the town sits next to the [[Thames Estuary]]). This myth can probably be discounted!
Extensive [[Roman Britain|Roman]] remains have been found nearby, at Vagniacae (today’s Springhead). Gravesend lies immediately to the north of their [[Watling Street]].
Gravesend has one of the oldest surviving markets in the country, its earliest charter dating from 1268. Town status was granted to the two parishes of Gravesend and [[Milton-next-Gravesend|Milton]], the Charter of Incorporation being received in that year. The first Mayor of Gravesend was elected in that year, although the first [[city hall|Town Hall]] was in place by 1573: it was replaced in 1764. A new frontage was built in 1836. Although its use as a Town Hall came to an end in 1968, when the new Civic Centre was opened, it continued in use as the Magistrates Courts. At present (2004) it is disused, and discussions are being held with a view to its future.
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