Norman Park (Bromley) Written by Pam Preedy. Take a lift to the top floor of the Bromley Central Library and look out over Bromley – you will see how green our town is.As we all know, the Bromley Borough is a good place to live, with lots of places to meet friends. I like to go to Norman Park but I had always wondered whether the park was named after one of the Norman family because in a moment of public-spirited generosity, he had given the 65 acres of park…
Category: Local History
The History of Tea
The History of Tea Written by Pam Preedy. “A nice cup of tea” was the panacea for all ills. For women, at a time when they were expected to remain in the home, it opened the way for a good gossip; a chance to mull over their problems with a friend(s). According to legend, the story of tea began in 2737 BC when Shen Numg, the Chinese emperor and herbalist was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled driving water. Some leaves fell into the water, he tasted it,…
The History of Pantomime
The History of Pantomime Written by Pam Preedy. Pantomime is part of our Christmas tradition, As the summer months wane, we begin to wonder what the next panto will be. Which personalities will grace our stage with their presence? But pantomime isn’t actually British. Its origins were founded in a 16th-century style of street performance in Italy. They told their stories of Pantalone, the old man, Pierrot the clown and Colombine, the maid servant, in love with the naughty servent, Arlecchion (Harlequin). The audience knew what to expect; the principal…
The Old Court House, Bromley
The Old Court House, Bromley Before the 20th Century Written by Pam Preedy. Today the Old Court Hosue is a thriving community centre under threat. For those not familiar, as I was not, Community House can be found from the WIdmore Road entrance to Boots. Cross over the main roads and follow the little road walking towards the old fire station. At the end, turn left and Community House is on your left. The history of the Old Court House has had a number of changes, both in location and…
Napoleon III in Chislehurst
Napoleon III in Chislehurst Written by Pam Preedy. The name, “Napoleon!” was enough to strike terror in teh hearts of children and adults alike in Britain in the nineteenth century. After a disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island of Elba. He returned to power in his Hundred Days campaign. Defeated at Waterloo (1815), he abdicated and was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena where he died aged 51. While in power he liked to raise members of his family to…
Hitler’s Vengeance – the V1
Hitler’s Vengeance – the V1 Written by Pam Preedy. Question: What is the connection between a wartime event on the outskirts of Downe village and the Apollo moon landings in 1969? By 1943 the tide of war was turning and Germany was on the defensive. On 6th June 1944 the Allies launched their much prepared, but secret, D-Day landings on Normandy beaches. A week later, on the 13th June Germany began sending over the V1 ‘Doodlebugs’ from Northern France. The vergeltungswaffen or vengeance weapon was intended to frighten England into…
Fighting Fires in Bromley
Fighting Fires in Bromley Written by Pam Preedy. In the centre cabinet of the Museum of Bromley on the 1st floor of the library building you will find an odd-looking device. It is large, made of wood and has small wooden wheels. On either side some rails that can be moved up and down. It is a long way from the bright and shiny red equivalent today. It is a Victorian fire engine, referred to in the documents as the “engine.” The Vestry was a committee for the local secular…
Municipal Swimming Pools in Bromley
Municipal Swimming Pools in Bromley Written by Pam Preedy. I loved swimming when I was young in the 1950s. I readily took the train from West Wickham to Clock House alone or with a friend to Beckenham Baths. Regular coach trips from Hawes Down Junior School to Beckenham Baths in the summer term sports sessions. A towel and costume would win a spare seat left on a coach. On one memorable day I went swimming three times; two with the school and in the evening with the Beckenham Ladies Swimming…
The Enigmatic Cockpit on Chislehurst Common
The Enigmatic Cockpit on Chislehurst Common: More than Meets the Eye Written by Pam Preedy. In the heart of Chislehurst, right opposite the west gate of St Nicholas church, lies a piece of history that often gets overlooked – the intriguing cockpit on Chislehurst Common. Some might describe it as unique, while Webb’s History of Chislehurst takes a more modest approach, calling it “one of the few perfect examples of a cockpit which still exists.” Contrary to popular belief, this circular structure, situated within the triangle of common land known…
William Brown and his creator Richmal Crompton
William Brown and his creator Richmal Crompton Written by Pam Preedy. William Brown was born in Bromley in February 1919 when he first appeared in the monthly Home Magazine, and although during the next 50 years, he has two birthdays, he remains 11 years old. ‘Just’ William, as he became known as a result of the title of the first collection of stories in book form in 1922, was the creation of Richmal Crompton Lamburn, a 28 year old, unmarried teacher. A name familiar, if for no other reason, because…