Historic Bromley
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Bromley from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Bromley's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Bromley's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
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.
Romano-British site, Wickham Court Farm, West Wickham
Bromley
Romano-British settlements range from large towns, such as civitas capitals and municipia, to small towns, villages, farmsteads and villas.
St Mark's Church
Bromley
Parish church of 1957-9 by Richard Gilbert Scott, incorporating fabric from the 1860s All Saints, Surrey Square.
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.
Romano-British masonry building and Saxon cemetery, Fordc…
Bromley
The Roman bathhouse between Poverest and Fordcroft Road is likely to have been part of a larger complex of buildings such as a minor Romano-British villa.
Ruxley old church
Bromley
A parish church is a building, usually of roughly rectangular outline and containing a range of furnishings and fittings appropriate to its use for Christian worship by a secular community,...
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. Read the official list entry to find out more.
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. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Orpington Roman villa
Bromley
Romano-British villas were extensive rural estates at the focus of which were groups of domestic, agricultural and occasionally industrial buildings.
High Elms ice house 130m south of Flint Lodge
Bromley
Icehouses are subterranean structures designed specifically to store ice, usually removed in winter from ponds and used in the summer for preserving food and cooling drinks.
Camp on Keston Common
Bromley
Despite having been partly destroyed, the earthwork on Keston Common survives well and forms a visible feature in the landscape.
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...
Gorilla sculpture
Bromley
'Gorilla', sculpture of 1961 by David Wynne, situated in the grounds of Crystal Palace Park. Read the official list entry to find out more.
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.
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.
Chislehurst War Memorial
Bromley
First World War memorial designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, unveiled 1920, with later additions. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Bowie Bandstand, Croydon Road Recreation Ground
Bromley
Bandstand. Erected in 1905 to the design of the McCallum and Hope Iron Foundry, Glasgow. Read the official list entry to find out more.
North and South Railings, Walls and Boundary Marker
Southwark
Railings, plinth walls and piers, c.1854. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Penge (Holy Trinity) War Memorial
Bromley
Portland stone war memorial cross, unveiled 1921. Read the official list entry to find out more.
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. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Parish Church of St George
Bromley
1885-7 by W. Gibbs Bartleet. Choir vestry on north 1890. Tower completed 1902-3. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Captain Eric Lubbock Memorial
Bromley
First World War memorial. Read the official list entry to find out more.
St Olave's Grammar School, including headmaster’s house; …
Bromley
Grammar school, built 1966-1967 to designs by Robert Matthew Johnson-Marshall & Partners; partner in charge, Maurice Lee.Exclusions from listing are shown on the map or made clear in the...
Church of St Mary
Bromley
Probably C12 in origin. Early C13 W tower and C13 N and S nave arcades. Aisles rebuilt in the C14, with further work on the chancel in the C15. Early C16 S chapel.
Church of St Martin of Tours
Bromley
Probably late C11 or very early C12 in origin, greatly extended in the C13, including the chancel, S aisle, N tower and former NE chapel. C15 S porch.
Cast-iron column from the Crystal Palace
Bromley
An excavated and re-erected cast-iron column from the 1851 Great Exhibition building. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Gate lodge and gateway to Croydon Road Recreation Ground
Bromley
Gate lodge and gateway. Built in 1890 to 1891 when the park was laid out by Reid and Bornemann of Sydenham. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Beckenham war memorial
Bromley
War memorialErected 1921Newbury Abbot Trent, sculptor. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Pulhamite Waterfall in Bromley Palace Park
Bromley
Pulhamite artificial rock-work waterfall of c.1865; by the firm of Pulhams, garden contractors. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Pulhamite Fernery, Bromley Palace Park
Bromley
Pulhamite artificial rock-work fernery of c.1865, constructed by the firm of Pulhams, garden contractors. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Bickley War Memorial
Bromley
A war memorial cross in the grounds of the Church of St George. It was designed by Lieutenant Colonel WG Newton and unveiled in October 1920. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Victorian Folly of 'Medieval Ruins' in Bromley Palace Park
Bromley
Folly with Norman style detailing, probably of mid-1860s and by the firm of garden contrators, Pulhams. Read the official list entry to find out more.
St Mary Cray War Memorial
Bromley
Portland stone wheeled cross war memorial, unveiled 1919. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Holy Trinity War Memorial
Bromley
War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Historic Bromley through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
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 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 permanantly 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 and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
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 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 permanantly 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
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets 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
Historic England Archive images of Bromley
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, 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 Bromley
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Bromley.
A Brief Introduction to Romani Gypsy Heritage in England
Mentions Bromley
Discover the Romani Gypsy and Traveller history and heritage in England through the art, culture and landscapes of the country.
8 Sites of Scientific Discovery and Innovation
Mentions Bromley, 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...
Bravery Through Time: The Evolution of Modern Britain’s Fire Service
Mentions Bromley
A new National Fire Service was inaugurated on 18 August 1941, which consolidated and unified the service across Britain.
8 Historic Music Festivals
Mentions Bromley, 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...
Where to Find Byzantine Architecture in England
Mentions Bromley, Subway, Vestibule, Terrace and Stairs to the Crystal Palace
Byzantium made an unexpected mark in the 19th-century as part of a mini-revival across Europe. Here’s where you can find examples in England.
9 Places that Tell the Story of the Royal Air Force
Mentions Bromley, 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.
A Brief Introduction to Garden and Park Structures
Mentions Prehistoric Animal Sculptures, Geological Formations and Lead Mine on Islands and on Land Facing the Lower Lake
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.
Crystal Palace Subway Restoration Revealed
Mentions Subway, Vestibule, Terrace and Stairs to the Crystal Palace, 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, Subway, Vestibule, Terrace and Stairs to the Crystal Palace
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.
Explore your 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 heritage in 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.
Sphinxes and South Terrace Steps, Upper and Lower Terraces
Victorian sphinxes that formerly guarded the Crystal Palace entrance, one of the few remaining structures after the palace's 1936 fire.
Scadbury Moated Manor, The Drive
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...
