Comfortably sitting in southeastern part of the English capital, the London Borough of Bromley has a unique charm – something that can rarely be seen in other boroughs of the Big Smoke. In fact, Bromley is the biggest borough in London when it comes to the territory it covers. It occupies a vast area of nearly 37,500 acres. Bromley’s population amounts to almost 300,000 people, which easily ranks it among the most populated boroughs in the UK capital. Similar to many other areas in London, this borough has a rich history which is well-illustrated through its numerous landmarks and old buildings that have been preserved to this day. Yet, Bromley is a place that does not live in the past as it continues to develop and grow by the minute.
Bromley’s intriguing history
The first existing records of the settlement of Bromley date to the mid-9th century. Although the area’s name was spelled differently back then (‘Bromleag’), it still stood for “a woodland clearing filled with broom trees.” However, one of the most interesting things about Bromley is that its history is more closely linked to that of Kent than to London. This is due to the fact that in the past the settlement was part of Kent. In fact, it was added to Greater London just a little over 50 years ago. In 1963, the government realized that the Big Smoke was growing with a rapid pace. London’s territory had expanded, reaching nearly to Bromley and it was more convenient to make it a borough of the capital. That explains why half of it is very rural and green, while the other half has the modern and urban look that is typical for London. Bromley is also home of many interesting sites and landmarks. Among them is the parish church of St Peter and St Paul which was completely rebuilt in the mid-1900s after it suffered great damages during WWII.
A desirable place to live in
Today, Bromley is among the most popular boroughs for home-seekers in London. As a matter of fact, just a few years ago, it was ranked as one of the happiest spots to live in the English capital. But for anyone who has every set a foot in Bromley, that title is not unexpected. The borough is safe, developed and almost all of the areas in it are well-linked to not only to the neighbouring districts, but also to the more central parts of London. Bromley also offers a wide range of good schools, playgrounds and hospitals, which makes it ideal for families with young children.
The most attractive aspect of the London Borough of Bromley is its versatility. The areas on its territory can offer a little something for everyone. Two of the biggest and most popular of them are Beckenham BR3, SE20 and Biggin Hill TN16. Even though neither of them is close to the heart of the capital, they serviced by different stations and offers a good choice of bars, restaurants and cafes. In contrast, the areas of Chelsfield BR6 and Cudham TN14 are very quiet and serene. If you go to Downe BR6, Chislehurst BR7 and Crystal Palace SE19, SE20, SE26 you may assume you are somewhere in the countryside and not in London, since all three of them are surrounded by lush woodlands and many green open spaces. But Bromley also has a luxury property market, mainly focused in Bickley BR3.
What does the future hold
Bromley is likely to remain one of the most popular boroughs in the UK capital, since it is constantly becoming better and bigger. Some of the new construction projects that are currently being built on the borough’s territory are very ambitious. The cost of one of them is even estimated at tens of millions of pounds. In addition to that, Bromley does its best to remember and preserve its past by reviving and rejuvenating many of its landmark, like the Crystal Palace Park, for instance. There are also plans for the improvement of some of the main roads in the borough in an attempt to ease the local traffic. Maybe, a few years from now, Bromley will become the most desired borough in London. Time will show!