The Parish comprises the villages of Joydens Wood and Wilmington. While evidence suggests that there was Roman activity in the area now covered by Joydens Wood, itself over 1000 years old, the village of Wilmington is considerably older than the community now located at Joydens Wood.  Remains of a third century Roman villa were discovered close to the Orange Tree public House in 1886, in addition to Saxon remains have been found.

Many consider St Michael and All Angels Church to be the most distinctive building in the Parish, which has played home to some important historical figures and events. Under the reign of King Edward IV, renowned king maker Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick resided in the area. While in more recent times Randolph Churchill delivered one of his most famous political speeches in Oakfield Park in a meeting attended by over 80,000 people. 

In more modern times Wilmington would be the birth place to one of Dartford’s most famous son's, Mick Jagger, singer with the Rolling Stones. In addition, Keith Richards, legendary guitarist for the band attended Wilmington Grammar School.

Much of Joydens Wood was built in the last century as people slowly began to mover further out from London. It is an area that continues to grow, and has seen a number of large developments in recent years, including the biggest at Bexley Park.