William Barefoot

William Barefoot (1872–November 1941) was a notable local politician in south-east London during the early part of the 20th century.

He was a born in Frances Street, Woolwich, and lived for a time in Griffin Street, Plumstead. [http://www.wellhall.org.uk/newsarticles016.php?id=139&bp= Well Hall Pleasaunce - Eltham London Park SE9 ] ]

He served as a local councillor in Eltham for 33 years, was mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich three times (1925-1927), and served on the national executive committee of the Labour Party. In 1928, he wrote "Twenty-five years' history of the Woolwich Labour Party, 1903-1928", published by the "Kentish Independent" Printing Works. He died from a heart attack suffered in the council chamber at Woolwich town hall.

He is commemorated by a plaque in Well Hall Pleasaunce, erected in September 1942, which reads: "He loved nature and his efforts to beautify Woolwich are reflected in the creation of this Pleasaunce" (Barefoot had been instrumental in the creation of the Pleasaunce as a public park and gardens). [ [http://www.cliveefford.org.uk/linkcategories000000.php?id=64 Clive Efford MP ] ] A small park, William Barefoot Gardens in Alliance Road, Plumstead, [ [http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/greenwich/yourenvironment/greenspace/parksgardens/plumstead/williambarefootgardens.htm Greenwich Council - Plumstead - William Barefoot Gardens ] ] and William Barefoot Drive in New Eltham, London SE9 are also named after him.

References