Gravesend, town, in Gravesham Borough, Kent, southeastern England, on the southern bank of the Thames River. It is part of the port of London and has a pilot station to guide vessels into the Thames. Gravesend is also a health and customs inspection center. Manufactures include paper, cement, and rubber products. The Native American Pocahontas died here in 1617 and is buried in the cemetery of Saint George's Church. Since before the 15th century, Gravesend has been a point from which passengers were ferried to London. The town was incorporated in 1562 and established as the point at which distinguished visitors should be received and conveyed to London. Population (1991) 51,435.
