A Local Guide to Bromley

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Welcome to our guide to Bromley! Situated in the southeastern part of the city, Bromley is the largest borough in Greater London by land area, covering around 150 square kilometres. With a population of over 334,500, the borough is known for its rich history, diverse communities, and beautiful green spaces. Our guide will take you through Bromley, exploring its fascinating history, landmarks, and local attractions. We’ll also delve into the housing market, schools, crime rates, and other key factors that make Bromley a unique and vibrant living place. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, our guide has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover all Bromley has to offer!

The History of Bromley

Bromley is a historic market town located in the London Borough of Bromley. The area has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The area still has many historic landmarks and buildings, including Bromley Palace, the Churchill Theatre, and St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church.

Bromley’s Population

As of mid-2021, the estimated population of the London Borough of Bromley was around 334,500. Bromley is the largest borough in Greater London by land area, covering approximately 150 square kilometres, and is situated in the southeastern part of the city. The population of Bromley is relatively diverse, with a mix of different ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The largest ethnic group in the borough is White British, which accounts for around 70% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include Asian, Black, and mixed race.

Regarding age, Bromley has a relatively older population than other parts of London, with a higher proportion of residents over 65. This is partly due to the area’s many retirement communities and care homes. Bromley is a relatively affluent borough with a higher-than-average proportion of residents in the ABC1 socioeconomic group. However, there are also pockets of deprivation in the borough, particularly in areas such as Penge and Bromley North.

Bromley’s Landmarks

Bromley is home to many historic landmarks and buildings, including Bromley Palace, which was once the residence of the Bishops of Rochester. It is now a popular wedding and events venue. The Churchill Theatre is also a notable landmark, as it has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years.

Public Transport that serves Bromley

Bromley is well-connected to the rest of London via several public transport links, including bus routes, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and several train stations, including Bromley South and Bromley North.

Bromley’s Local Attractions

Bromley has many local attractions, including the Museum of Bromley History, the Crofton Roman Villa, and Kelsey Park. This beautiful green space is popular with families and nature lovers.

Local Restaurants in Bromley

Bromley is home to a diverse range of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Some popular options include Cow and Pig Smokehouse, Lure Fish Kitchen, and Sapore Vero, an Italian restaurant with an excellent reputation.

Schools in Bromley

Bromley is home to some highly regarded schools, both state-funded and independent. Some of the most notable schools in the area include:

• Bromley High School: A prestigious independent school for girls aged 4-18, consistently achieving outstanding academic and extra-curricular results.
• St. Olave’s Grammar School: A highly selective boys’ grammar school which consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country.
• Ravensbourne School: A co-educational comprehensive school focusing on science and technology, which has achieved excellent results in recent years.
• Newstead Wood School: A highly selective girls’ grammar school which consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the country.
• Bishop Challoner School: A co-educational Catholic school with a solid academic reputation and a focus on pastoral care.

In addition to these schools, there are also many excellent primary schools in the area, including Darrick Wood Junior School, Highfield Infants’ School, and Burnt Ash Primary School. Overall, Bromley offers a wide range of high-quality schools to suit all ages and abilities, making it a popular choice for families looking to settle in the area.

House Prices in Bromley

Bromley is known for its wide variety of properties, ranging from spacious Victorian and Edwardian houses to modern apartments and flats. The average house price in Bromley is around £500,000. Still, prices can vary significantly depending on the property’s location, size, and condition. In some of the more desirable areas of Bromley, such as Sundridge Park and Bickley, house prices can exceed £1 million. However, more affordable options are available in areas such as Bromley Common and Downham, where house prices start at around £300,000.

Many new developments and regeneration projects are also taking place in Bromley, with several modern apartment complexes and townhouses being built in areas such as Bromley South and Bromley North. These new developments offer a range of different property types, with prices starting at around £200,000 for a studio apartment. Overall, Bromley offers a wide range of housing options to suit all budgets and lifestyles and is a popular choice for families and professionals looking to settle in a safe and desirable area of London.

Famous Former Residents Of Bromley

Bromley has been home to some famous residents over the years. Some of the most notable include:

• David Bowie: The legendary musician was born in Brixton but spent his formative years in Bromley. He attended Bromley Technical High School (now known as Ravens Wood School) and lived in the area until he was 19.
• H.G. Wells: The famous science fiction writer lived in Bromley for many years and wrote several of his most famous works, including “The War of the Worlds” and “The Time Machine,” while living there.
• Charles Darwin: The world-renowned naturalist and biologist lived in Down House, on the outskirts of Bromley, from 1842 until he died in 1882. Here, he wrote many of his most famous works, including “On the Origin of Species.”
• Siouxsie Sioux: The lead singer of the post-punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees was born and raised in Bromley.
• Bob Monkhouse: The comedian, writer, and presenter lived in Bromley for many years and was a well-known figure in the local community.

Overall, Bromley has a rich cultural history and has been home to many famous and influential people.