Gravesend was at its peak as a leading resort in the 1830s and 1840s. New houses, new streets, hotels, reading rooms, public baths, and pleasure gardens were built, Gravesend's success largely stemming from its accessibility by steam packet.[i] The Gravesend Steam Packet Company began operating between London and Gravesend in 1817 By 1841 seventeen steamers ran daily from London to Gravesend. Most charged only 5 pence per person. [ii]
References:
[i] English Heritage & Kent County Council; Kent Historic Towns Survey, Gravesend, Archaeological Assessment Document p12. http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-459-1/dissemination/pdf/Gravesend.pdf
[ii] Dix, Frank L. - Royal River Highway: A History of the Passenger Boats and Services on the River Thames. (David & Charles,1985) p77