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 born in Frances Street, Woolwich, and lived for a time in Griffin Street, Plumstead.[1]

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 in the Woolwich council chamber.

Barefoot was instrumental in the creation of the Well Hall Pleasaunce as a public park and gardens. A plaque there reads: "He loved nature and his efforts to beautify Woolwich are reflected in the creation of this Pleasaunce"[2][1] A small park, William Barefoot Gardens in Alliance Road, Plumstead,[3] and William Barefoot Drive on the Coldharbour Estate are also named after him.