Bromley
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Bromley from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Bromley's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
The Royal Watermen's and Lightermen's Asylum (46 almshouses)
Bromley
Built in 1839-40, The Royal Watermen's and Lightermen's Asylum designed by George Porter features distinct architectural elements with central towers, a crow-stepped gable, and heraldic...
Crystal Palace Park
Bromley
Crystal Palace Park, designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, was a 19th-century pleasure ground for the relocated Crystal Palace, featuring elaborate fountains and significant historical events.
Base of the southern water tower to the Crystal Palace in…
Bromley
Base and foundations of the southern Crystal Palace water tower.
Crystal Palace National Recreation Centre
Bromley
The Crystal Palace National Recreation Centre, built in the 1960s by the LCC, features an 'A'-frame structure and iconic Olympic-sized pool, designed for international and local sports...
Priory Gardens, Orpington
Bromley
Priory Gardens transformed into public grounds in 1952, showcasing Arts and Crafts influences.
Holwood Park
Bromley
Holwood Park, acquired by William Pitt in 1785, features a landscape designed with advice from renowned landscape architect Humphry Repton.
Odeon Cinema and Regal Ballroom
Bromley
The Odeon Cinema and Regal Ballroom in Beckenham, designed by Robert Cromie in 1930, features well-preserved Art Deco elements and was adapted into a triple-screen venue in the 1970s.
Romano-British site, Wickham Court Farm, West Wickham
Bromley
The Romano-British site near St John the Baptist’s Church is notable for Roman finds and proximity to the London to Lewes Way, though not fully excavated.
The Daylight Inn, Petts Wood
Bromley
An improved public house in Neo-Tudor style by Sidney C Clark for Charrington's Brewery, opened in December 1935. Refurbished and partly extended in 1996.
The Upper and Lower Terrace of the Crystal Palace Gardens
Bromley
The Upper and Lower Terrace of the Crystal Palace Gardens, designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, remain from the original 19th-century exhibition site, featuring ornate arches and pilasters.
Scadbury Manor moated site and fishponds
Bromley
The monument includes Scadbury Manor moated site including its island, moat, fishponds and the land enclosed by the eastern embankment.
Subway, Vestibule, Terrace and Stairs to the Crystal Palace
Southwark
Pedestrian subway, vestibule, terrace and stairs to the Crystal Palace, opened 1865, designed by Charles Barry Junior.
Quernmore Secondary School
Bromley
Quernmore Secondary School, originally Plaistow Lodge, was built in 1777 by Peter Thelusson. His estate influenced the Accumulations Act 1800, known as the Thelusson Act.
Prehistoric Animal Sculptures, Geological Formations and …
Bromley
Historic sculptures in Crystal Palace Park showcase 19th-century scientifc understanding of dinosaurs and palaeontology, built from 1852-1855 by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and Sir Richard...
Romano-British masonry building and Saxon cemetery, Fordc…
Bromley
The site includes a Roman bathhouse, possibly part of a villa complex, and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery dating from AD 450-550 with notable grave goods and numerous inhumations.
Down House
Bromley
Down House, Charles Darwin's home from 1842 to 1882, served as a site for his scientific experiments and later became a public memorial to him in 1929.
Church of St Nicholas
Bromley
The Church of St Nicholas in Chislehurst, dating back to circa 1460, is a Grade II* listed parish church showcasing varied architectural styles and significant historical monuments.
Ruxley old church
Bromley
St Botolph’s Church, built circa 1300, is a significant medieval parish church in Ruxley with original architectural features and foundations from earlier Norman and Saxon structures.
5-9, High Street
Bromley
Timber-framed house circa 1510 with notable features like a crownpost roof, C17 chimneystack, and C18 panelling. Refronted in the early 19th century.
Gorilla sculpture
Bromley
'Gorilla', sculpture of 1961 by David Wynne, situated in the grounds of Crystal Palace Park.
Sundridge Park
Bromley
Sundridge Park in south-east London features an 18th-century landscape designed by Humphry Repton, with contributions from architects John Nash and Samuel Wyatt.
Holwood camp
Bromley
Holwood Camp, also known as Caesar's Camp, is a significant Iron Age hillfort with archaeological importance, reflecting historic social structures and industrial activities between...
Church of St Giles the Abbot
Bromley
Nave possibly C12 in origin. Chancel C13 in origin. N chapel added C14. W tower of uncertain date. The nave and possibly the tower were rebuilt or heavily restored c.1640.
The Ice House and Ha-ha Wall at Bromley Palace Park
Bromley
Ice house with summerhouse extension and separate ha-ha wall. The ice house probably has a late-C18 core, modified in the later C19 when a summerhouse was added.
Chislehurst War Memorial
Bromley
First World War memorial designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, unveiled 1920, with later additions.
Bowie Bandstand, Croydon Road Recreation Ground
Bromley
Bandstand. Erected in 1905 to the design of the McCallum and Hope Iron Foundry, Glasgow.
Crystal Palace Lower Level Station
Bromley
The Crystal Palace Lower Level Station, built in the 19th century, features a French Chateau style and served visitors to the Crystal Palace.
124-128, Bromley Road
Bromley
Architect Ernest Newton designed a house at 124-128 Bromley Road in 1884; it features red brick on the ground floor and tile-hung upper floors.
Down House
Bromley
Down House, a Grade I listed building, was Charles Darwin's residence from 1842-1882. "The Origin of Species" was written here, and it now serves as a museum.
North and South Railings, Walls and Boundary Marker
Southwark
Railings, plinth walls and piers, c.1854.
The Priory
Bromley
The Priory in Orpington is a historical building with 15th-century origins and 17th-century expansions.
Beckenham Public Hall
Bromley
Beckenham Public Hall, designed by George Viges in 1883, is an Arts and Crafts style building with distinctive facade features and corner turrets.
Geffery' s Homes (Almshouses)
Bromley
Geffery's Homes were established by Sir Robert Geffery for domestic servants, rebuilt in 1912 by George Hubbard, featuring Neo-Georgian architecture and historical statues.
Group of three Fighter Dispersal Pens at Biggin Hill Airport
Bromley
Three early type E fighter dispersal pens, built c1939. Post-war alterations to two of the pens.
Parish Church of St George
Bromley
1885-7 by W. Gibbs Bartleet. Choir vestry on north 1890. Tower completed 1902-3.
Bromley through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Bromley changes over time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Bromley
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace, London, 1921
Crystal Palace
Barrage balloon over Crystal Palace High Level Station, Crystal Palace, 1952
Orpington
The Priory Gardens and the town centre, Orpington, 1930
Orpington
The Priory Gardens and environs, Orpington, 1930
Farnborough
The R. J. Goodchild Ltd Nurseries and environs, Farnborough, 1951
Farnborough
The R. J. Goodchild Ltd Nurseries and environs, Farnborough, 1951
Farnborough
Cedars Laundry, Farnborough, 1949
Farnborough
Cedars Laundry and Bassetts Way, Farnborough, 1949
Beckenham
The Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, 1930
Upper Elmers End
Bethlem Royal Hospital, Upper Elmers End, 1947
Bromley in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Bromley's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Keston, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Caesar's Well, the source of the River Ravensbourne
Eric de Mare
Orpington, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior view of Orpington School showing the base of a spiral staircase.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Foxbury, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: Jul 1974
The exterior of a group of modern accommodation blocks at Coed Bel, a late 20th century Ministry of Defence hostel in Chislehurst, now the Darul Uloom...
Alfred Newton and Sons
Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1902 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING GRAVE OF WILLIAN GEORGE WILLOUGHBY KILLED ON SE AND C RAILWAY
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1899 - 1904
GENERAL VIEW FROM QUEENS MEAD
Charles George Harper Collection
Ruxley, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-west of the old St Botolph's Church, showing the building after its conversion into a barn
Eric de Mare
Orpington, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior view of Orpington School showing the hall set with long tables and chairs from the balcony.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Foxbury, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: Jul 1974
Looking across the lawns to the north towards the accommodation at Coed Bel, a late 20th century Ministry of Defence hostel in Chislehurst, now the...
Alfred Newton and Sons
Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW OF HOP ROWS
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Recreation Ground, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW IN THE RECREATION GROUND LOOKING TOWARDS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
Eric de Mare
Orpington, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of a school building at Orpington School. See also AA98/05482.
Alfred Newton and Sons
Orpington, Bromley, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1896 - 1920
ALL SAINTS VIEWED FROM THE NORTH
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Bromley.
8 Sites of Scientific Discovery and Innovation
Mentions Down House
From Charles Darwin to Alan Turing, discover incredible places in England connected to scientific achievement.
The Life and Death of London’s Crystal Palace
Mentions The Upper and Lower Terrace of the Crystal Palace Gardens, Base of the southern water tower to the Crystal Palace
From the opening of the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park to the tragic fire that destroyed it, the Crystal Palace inspired photographers on the ground...
8 Historic Music Festivals
Mentions Bowie Bandstand, Croydon Road Recreation Ground
From struggling to put a tent up in the pouring rain to dancing to your favourite band with your mates, music festival have become a highlight of...
9 Places that Tell the Story of the Royal Air Force
Mentions Group of three Fighter Dispersal Pens at Biggin Hill Airport
Some of our most important listed structures help to illustrate the key achievements of the RAF during the twentieth century.
6 Spectacular Swimming Pools
Mentions Crystal Palace National Recreation Centre
Dive in and discover some of England’s historic swimming pools.
A Brief Introduction to Garden and Park Structures
Discover the grand structures and decorative features that appear in our parks and gardens
Mentions Bromley
After years of dedication and hard work, the historic Crystal Palace Subway in London has reopened for its 160th anniversary in 2025.
London’s Hidden Subway: The Last Survivor of the Crystal Palace
After years of dedication and hard work, the historic Crystal Palace Subway in London has reopened for its 160th anniversary in 2025.
Mentions Bromley
The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs were the first-ever life-sized reconstructions of extinct animals, revealing their first glimpse of lost worlds to the...
Conserving the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs were the first-ever life-sized reconstructions of extinct animals, revealing their first glimpse of lost worlds to the public.
Historic England Advice Helping to Preserve Rural Heritage for the Future
Mentions Scadbury Manor moated site and fishponds, Bromley
The Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service is supporting sustainable land management to protect our shared heritage for future generations.
Historic England's Science Facility Reopens After Major Refit
Mentions Bromley
Historic England’s flagship science facility at Fort Cumberland in Portsmouth reopens after year-long refit, marking 75 years of specialist work.
Crystal Palace Subway Restoration Revealed
Mentions Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
Heritage at Risk in the Midlands Revealed
Mentions Bromley
41 sites have been saved and 32 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the Midlands.
3D Models of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs Launched
Mentions Prehistoric Animal Sculptures, Geological Formations and Lead Mine on Islands and on Land Facing the Lower Lake, Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
Historic England recreate the 29 surviving Victorian sculptures in Crystal Palace Park, in collaboration with the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs.
Crystal Palace Dinosaur Sculpture Saved From Extinction
Mentions Prehistoric Animal Sculptures, Geological Formations and Lead Mine on Islands and on Land Facing the Lower Lake, Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
The world-famous, Grade I listed Megalosaurus dinosaur at Crystal Palace Park has had an emergency ‘face-lift’.
Heritage Across the Country Benefits from Latest Funding from the Culture Recovery Fund
Mentions Bromley
Over 470 heritage organisations across the country to benefit from the second round of Culture Recovery Fund grants
Rare Second World War Command Post and London War Memorial Listed to Celebrate VE Day
Mentions St Luke's Church War Memorial, Bromley
Unusual Second World War battle headquarters and war memorial which commemorates civilian casualties among the British war dead listed.
Famous Crystal Palace Dinosaurs Declared ‘at Risk’
Mentions Prehistoric Animal Sculptures, Geological Formations and Lead Mine on Islands and on Land Facing the Lower Lake, Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
The 30 Grade I listed, life-size statues of dinosaurs and other extinct animals at Crystal Palace Park, added to Heritage at Risk Register.
'Bowie Bandstand' in Beckenham Listed on Festival’s 50th Anniversary
Mentions Bowie Bandstand, Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Bromley
Historic bandstand in London's Croydon Road Recreation ground, where David Bowie performed at the Growth Summer Festival in 1969, has been listed.
23 Remarkable Places Listed in 2018
Mentions Bromley
Historic England publishes its annual highlights from more than 900 buildings and sites listed or upgraded this year.
War Memorials to Airmen Listed to Mark Centenary of the Royal Air Force
Mentions Captain Eric Lubbock Memorial, Bromley
To mark the centenary of the RAF, 14 war memorials to airmen are being listed or upgraded by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
Bromley's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Wickham Court, Layhams Road, Bromley, Greater London
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This semi-fortified house was built by Sir Henry Heydon during the reign of Edward IV (1461-83).
Wickham Court, Layhams Road, Bromley, Greater London
The Rawlins Almshouses, Bromley Road, Beckenham, Greater London
Period: Stuart (1603 - 1713)
These almshouses have the inscription Anthony Rawlins Esq built these Houses for ye poor of this Parish of Beckenham Anno. Dom. 1694.
The Rawlins Almshouses, Bromley Road, Beckenham, Greater London
St Marys Day Nursery, Plaistow, Bromley, Greater London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Nurses and children on a large ward.
St Marys Day Nursery, Plaistow, Bromley, Greater London
Richard Klinger Factory, Edgington Way, Orpington, Greater London
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
This factory was built in 1937 to the designs of Wallis Gilbert and partners for Richard Klinger Ltd.
Richard Klinger Factory, Edgington Way, Orpington, Greater London
Park Langley 'Chinese' Garage, Stone Park Avenue, Beckenham, Greater London
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
This 'Chinese' style garage (petrol filling station) was built in 1928 by Edmund B. Clarke.
Park Langley 'Chinese' Garage, Stone Park Avenue, Beckenham, Greater London
Orpington School, Goddington Lane, Orpington, Greater London
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
Pupils in a quadrangle at Orpington School. Originally founded in Southwark as St Olave's Grammar School, the school moved to this site in 1968.
Orpington School, Goddington Lane, Orpington, Greater London
Old Palace (Stockwell College), Rochester Avenue, Bromley , Greater London
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This building is on the site of a Medieval moated house. It was owned by the Bishops of Rochester, rebuilt in 1184 and later altered.
Old Palace (Stockwell College), Rochester Avenue, Bromley , Greater London
Former Workhouse, Leaves Green Road, Cudham, Greater London
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
These cottages were built as Cudham Parish Workhouse in 1731.
Former Workhouse, Leaves Green Road, Cudham, Greater London
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Scadbury Moated Manor, The Drive, Scadbury Park, Chislehurst, London
Scadbury Moated Manor comprises an island surrounded by a moat, fishponds, the 16th-century remains of a manor house, and an apple store that was...
Sphinxes and South Terrace Steps, Upper and Lower Terraces, Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
Victorian sphinxes that formerly guarded the Crystal Palace entrance, one of the few remaining structures after the palace burnt down in 1936.
