Discover Bromley: History, Gardens and Theatre

The Bromley North Heritage Trail is an approximately one-hour guided walk to historic and interesting places in Bromley North. The approximate duration gives the visit a clear structure, while the guided format focuses on the history and distinctive places of this part of Bromley. If you are researching accommodation in Bromley, you can consider your choice of location according to your preferred focus: historic buildings, gardens, tennis, theatre or a literary memorial site.

Historic sites and a city shaped by history

Bromley College on the High Street is a Grade I listed building. It is therefore one of the prominent historic buildings that connect Bromley with its earlier local history. Another important landmark is the present parish church of St Peter and St Paul by F. Harold Gibbons. It was consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester in 1957. A Norman façade and a 14th-century door from the former church have been preserved in the tower. The churchyard also contains the gravestone of Elizabeth “Tetty” Johnson. Both features make the church a place where the present-day use and preserved parts of the older building fabric can be distinguished. St Peter and St Paul in Bromley is open again for services on Sundays. Old Palace is also part of Bromley’s historical heritage. A manor house of the Bishop of Rochester stood on its grounds from the time of Gundulph or earlier. The old building was demolished and completely rebuilt between 1774 and 1776. These dates mark a completed structural change, not a current construction announcement.

Gardens, exercise and theatre

Church House Gardens include extensive ornamental gardens and a lake. In addition, the tennis courts at Church House Gardens can be booked after registering with the Tennis For Free Bromley programme. This means that the same garden grounds offer both a peaceful landscaped area and an explicitly named opportunity for sporting activity. The Churchill Theatre is a venue in Bromley town centre for shows and other theatre performances. Together with the gardens and the guided Heritage Trail, it offers a selection of different reasons to visit, without requiring these places to be presented as one combined walking route. Market Square marks the intersection of the historic main routes running north–south and east–west through the original hilltop market town of Bromley. It therefore provides a specific point of orientation within the town’s historic structure.

Traces of H. G. Wells

Another point of interest is located on the front of the present-day Primark store in the building named Medhurst. A commemorative plaque there marks the birthplace of H. G. Wells. Herbert George Wells was born in Bromley on 21 September 1866. Those interested in literary history will therefore find a clearly identified connection here between a person, a building and Bromley. Other destinations you can compare for your London research: Northwood, East Ham, Biggin Hill, Harefield, Plumstead, Poplar, Twickenham and Mayfair.