Swanscombe is home to one of the most important archaeological finds in British history. The discovery of Swanscombe Man (actually a woman) in 1935 represents one of the oldest discoveries of Homo Sapiens, and is believed to be between 200,000 & 300,000 years old. In addition, further evidence has been found of Clactonian Man, who would be even older still. The remains of an elephant have also been discovered in the area, making it one of the only parts of the country where such remains have ever been found.

Much of the reason for the rich archaeology sites of the area is the geological make up of the area, including large deposits of chalk, which have helped preserve huge amounts of historical artefacts.

Swanscombe remained a small settlement of less than a 1000 persons right up until the early 19th century.  However, the establishment of the cement industry in the 1820s would change this.  The industry attracted labourers from the surrounding villages and resulted in something of a population explosion. Within 100 years the population would grow by over 800%. 

Unfortunately this burgeoning industry came at a high cost to local people with the dust from the factories leaving a thick blanket of pollution across the area. Locals began legal action in the late 1800’s to try and deal with the problem, but ultimately it remained a serious issue well into the 20th Century. Eventually, the pressure bought to bear by local residents paid off however, when new, larger smoke stacks were built, supposedly making the kilns in Swanscombe the cleanest in Europe.  By the 1970’s, the area was witnessing the largest production of cement in Europe under the auspices of the Blue Circle Cement company.

Whilst the decline of the cement industry had a huge impact on Swanscombe, massive redevelopment is planned for the area, with Swanscombe at the heart of the Thames Gateway Development project. The construction of the Ebbsfleet Channel Tunnel rail station is hoped to propel the local economy forward, with commuters in particular benefiting from the expected 15 minute journey times to central London.