HM Queen Elizabeth II has recognised the 100 year celebrations of the the estate. In a letter to Buckingham Palace, Resident Association Chair, Rita Billinghurst wrote:
Loyal greetings to Her Majesty The Queen from the Chair, Officers and committee members of the Progress Residents Association and from the Residents of the Progress Estate, Eltham, London SE9 who are celebrating their Estate's centenary this year.
Building work commenced on 6th February 1915 to create 1,350 houses for munition workers at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. The first residents moved in during May that year. The Estate was finished before the year's end.
Queen Mary made an unofficial visit to our Estate on 24th March, 1916, stopping for tea with residents en route from Buckingham Palace to The Royal Arsenal where she was to meet ladies working in the munitions factory.
The Estate was designed by HM Office of Works as a Garden Suburb, incorporation the ideals of the Arts and Craft Movement, and is now a Conservation Area. One of its houses in the 1915 entry in the Royal Academy's current exhibition: "100 Buildings, 100 Years".
The Office of Her Majesty replied:
The Queen has asked me to thank you, the Officers and Committee Members of the Progress Residents' Association and all Residents of the Progress Estate for your loyal greetings sent on the occasion of the centenary of the building and completion of your Estate.
Her Majesty was interested to learn of the history of the Progress Estate and of the variety of celebratory events that have been organised throughout the year. The Queen appreciates your thoughtfulness in writing as you did and, in return, sends her good wishes and congratulations to all concerned as you celebrate this most notable anniversary year.
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