Borough of Bromley

This borough situated in the southeast of London is the largest of all the London boroughs.  Of the 59 square miles contained here, 35 square miles is protected open land for London’s Green Belt.

Notable places include Biggin Hill. This area developed slowly as London residents bought their little piece of countryside.  Houses built would be of all sizes, shapes, and construction.  Planning laws and greenbelt policies resulted to make the area more uniform-looking.  Because of it’s remoteness due to its hills, - “the light railway” came to the area at a lower cost and lower maximum running speeds.  RAF Biggin Hill played a crucial role defending London in the Battle of Britain in World War II.  Also the  Crystal Palace was  originally built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park.  It was taken apart and rebuilt on land owned by the director of the London and Brighton Railway.  It was opened in 1854 by Queen Victoria.  It was a great success and the area around the palace became the venue for the FA cup final between 1895-1914.  In 1936 it was destroyed by fire.  Currently the National Sports Centre is located here,  training future Olympians.  Notable persons associated with Bromley include science fiction writer HG Wells, born in 1866.  He wrote essays and books such as The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine.  Wells studied under Thomas Huxley, the “champion of Darwinism.” Darwin himself also resided in the area.

Prayer Requests for this Borough