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Daniel Defoe (1660 – April 24, 1731) the celebrated author of Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719 and regarded by many as the first proper English novel. He took up writing after being made bankrupt in business as a general merchant. Several local roads are named after the write and the novel marking Erith’s modest claim to being the landing place of a real-life castaway Alexander Selkirk (see Selkirk Drive) who was the inspiration for Dafoe’s story. Other nearby roads connected with the Defoe adventure are Crusoe Road and Friday Road.
