March 1998 Price 60P Free to Members

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March 1998 Price 60p Free to members

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t e r / / t r a e i ie te 6y (/tt/t/t Cfcrt/ey pagrt V-ff Bramlcagc March 1998 Bromley Borough Local History Society was formed in 1974 so that anyone with an interest in any part of the Borough could meet to exchange information and leam more about its history. History is continually being made and at the same time destroyed, buildings are altered or demolished, memories fade and people pass away, records get destroyed or thrown in the bin. We aim, in co operation with the local history library, museums and other relevant organisations, to make sure at least some of this history is preserved for future generations.

Meetings are held at 7.45 pm on the first Tuesday of the month, from October to July, in the Methodist Church Hall, North Street, Bromley (there is parking available, bus services nearby and facilities for the disabled).

In addition, daytime meetings are held at 2.30pm on the second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November in the Methodist Church Hall at the comer of Bromley and Bevington Roads, Beckenham. This is on several bus routes and there is a large public car park nearby.

Members receive regular newsletters similar to this one.

You are welcome to come along to one of our meetings to see if you would like to join. You will be made veiy welcome and won’t be pressed to join, although non-members are invited to make a donation of £1 towards the costs of the meeting.

However if you wish to join, the subscription rates are £8.50 for an individual, £10 for a husband and wife. Members joining after 30th June pay half these rates. There is also a charge of 50p per person at the Bromley meetings.

Our next Bromley meetings will be:

Tuesday. 14th April AGM followed by talk ‘Bromley in Old Photographs’ by Ron Driver

Tuesday, 3rd May 'What’s in Store? Sources for Local History at Bromley Library’ Simon Finch Please note that this meeting will be held in the Local Studies library, which is on the second floor of Bromley Central Library, starting at 7.45pm.

The next Beckenham meetings will be:

Wednesday, 11th March Short film on ‘Road Safety in Beckenham - 1928' Ken Miller and ‘ Mementoes of the Penge Empire’ Bill Tonkin

Wednesday, 13th May The Love Letters of Sir Josiah Stamp John King

Chairman: Dr A. Allnutt, Woodside, Old Perry Street, Chislehurst, BR7 6PP

Hon. Sec: Mrs P. Knowlden, 62 Harvest Bank Road, West Wickham. BR4 9DJ (tel. 0181 462 5002)

Membership Sec. Dr A. Allnutt, Woodside. Old Peny Street, Chislehurst, BR7 6PP S' Editors: Paul & Denise Rason, 1 South Drive, Orpington, BR6 9NG

The Editors are always happy to receive articles, large or small, for inclusion in the newsletter. But please don’t be offended if we do not use your article immediately We try to maintain a balance between research and reminiscences and articles about different subjects and parts of the borough

2 Bromlcagc March 1998

Annual General Meeting BOOK REVIEW

Notice is hereby given that the 1998 Annual Len Hevey.'The Early History of Beckenham' General Meeting will be held during the monthly published by Fiona Carter, 1997. 166 pages, limp meeting on Tuesday, 14th April in the Methodist cover. Price £8.50. Church Hall, North Street, Bromley. Although this is described as a reprint with Please note that this meeting will be on the 2nd corrections of a 1994 edition, this is actually the Tuesday of the month, instead of the first first edition published for sale to the public. This, the last work of the late Len Hevey, is a scholarly This will be followed by a talk by Ron Dnver account of the history of Beckenham up to the end entitled ‘Bromley in Old Photographs’. of the fourteenth century. It is an absolute must for all serious students of the subject giving not only The talk shown on the membership card for this the details but also the whereabouts of the earliest date, ‘What’s in Store’ by Simon Finch will now surviving documents. Following on from his earlier be held in the Local Studies library on the second accounts of Shortlands and Elmers End published floor of the Central Library on the 3rd May at by the Society this is a worthy memonal to a truly 7.45pm when Simon will show us some items from local historian. A few' minor imperfections do not the Collections. detract from the value of this book and his widow and daughter are to be congratulated for making his researches available to a wider public. At the time NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM of writing copies are only available from the Beckenham Bookshop A great deal of research is being done and lists Eric Jnnum (databases) compiled these days by volunteers which all add to the information of interest to local WEBB’S HISTORY OF CHISLEHURST and family historians. One such database being compiled at the National Amy Museum is of The Chislehurst Society liave found a publisher officers whose deaths were notified in the Monthly who would be interested in handling a reprint of this Army Lists covering various periods from 1850 to book (which i f a second hand copy can he found, costs 1899. However not all months are yet covered in at least £150) provided that he could be certain of this fifty year period Information is also being selling 300 copies. A likely price would be £30 per included on officers whose obituaries were copy and it would be a hard backed edition, published in the United Service Journal between matching the original in size and format, and in 1829-31 and 1840-41. quality of binding and paper. If a longer print run The information listed so far for our area is> is made, the price can be reduced.

Quartcr Mister (Captain) DOUGHERTY. W. At present, the Chislehurst Society need to died 4/1/1874 at Chislehurst establish how many people would like a copy. If Ass. Supt of Stores. KANE, G. died 30/1/1889 at Abury. Chislcburst you would be interested in subscribing to this Captain O'RORKE, Marcus Wm. 60th Foot. unique Centenary Edition of Webb’s history, please diod 19/4/1871 at Beckenham write to Roy Hopper at Chislehurst library. Colonel (Hon Majox-Gcn.) CARDEN,G. died 12/2/1894 at Bromley The Police Review and Parade Gossip Captain FOOT, Randal, 6 Dragoon Guards died 13/1/1841 at Bromley May 3rd 1918 Lieutenant BOYD. 14 Dragoons died 14/1/1854 at Bromley P.C. James Hardy, of Beckenham, who was to have Lieut. Colonel JONES, John. 1 Foot Guards been presented on Saturday, in Green Park with the died 11/6/1831 at West Wickham other London recipients, with the King's Police Maj. Gen. (Hon Lieut.Gen.) GORDON, C.E.P. died 27/6/1897 at Pengc Medal, died during the previous night in Croydon Lieut. Colonel BRIGGS. W. died 24/10/1898 at Pcuge Hospital. He was cycling at Addington and in Colonel (Hon. Major-Gen.) GRAYDON.G. R.A. going down a hill lost control of his machine. He died 1/4/1898 at Pcnge was thrown forward over the handlebars, fracturing Obviously this is a long term project Any enquiries about his skull. The Constable was to be decorated for the project should be addressed to Dr. Peter Boydcn, Head of archives at the National Army Museum. Chelsea. arresting a poacher at West Wickham.

3 BromJeage March 1998

MORE POLICE MATTERS 1963 brought about further changes in the In the last few years there have been several items, boundaries, this time to align them with the new either reports of talks given, or contributions, in Local Authority boundaries, which took effect from Bromleage concerning the policing of the area. 1 April 1965. Beckenham then became a Sectional Recently I came into the possession of notes made Station, with Penge, to Bromley Sub-Division on from Metropolitan Police archives relating to four ‘P’ or Catford Division. In 1974 there was a re police stations in the London Borough of Bromley, organisation of internal boundaries whereby certain from their establishment to 1974 when there was a Station areas were changed, including those of re-organisation of internal boundaries. With the Beckenham permission of the Metropolitan Police, I have condensed the notes so as to add to our own file of Bromley Police Station police material. The first mention of policing in Bromley is in 1827 Beckenham Police Station when the First Division of the Bow Street Home Patrol operated in the area. The Metropolitan Police District was extended to Beckenham after an application by Alderman Bromley was taken into the Metropolitan Police Wilson in September 1833, following the number of District in 1839 forming the 4th Section of ‘R’ or robbenes bang committed in the area There were Greenwich Division, with a strength of one a Sergeant and seven Constables to uphold the law Sergeant and seven Constables. Charges were in Beckenham By 1864 the strength of the taken at the Station. The Home Office gave Beckenham police establishment, then part of 'R' authonty for a 99 year lease to be taken of premises Division, had risen to two Sergeants and ten in Bromley in 1862. By 1864 Bromley, designated Constables The Police Station, next to the Three as *R' Division, had a strength of two Sergeants Tuns* was under the supervision of the Inspector at and nine Constables who took charges at the Station Lewisham who also had care of Lewisham, which had cells attached. In 1865 the Inspector of Sydenham, Bromley and Famborough Stations. Lewisham was transferred to Bromley and had The mounted Sergeants at these Stations were charge of Bromley, Beckenham, Famborough, St expected to patrol on horse-back or on foot nine Mary Cray and Sidcup - comprising Bromley Sub- hours, at least, m every 24 hours, and look after Division In 1884 the Postal Address of the Station their horses. was given as the Town Hall, Bromley. [Refer to Horsburgh for exact dates.] In 1876, the well at the Beckenham Police Station was dosed by the Inspector of Nuisances because In October 1904 the Town Clerk offered a site for a of the impurity of the water. It was discovered soon new Police Station, but the site offered was after that the cesspools and drains in the vicinity of considered inadequate for police needs. the wdl had polluted the water. The Police Surveyor recommended that Beckenham Police Eventually a site in Widmorc Road was purdiased Station be connected to the Lambeth Water in 1910 for £585 from Mr. Coles-Child of Bromley Company's main which passed within a few yards Palace. The tender for the building was awarded to in front of the Station. Messrs.J. Smith & Sons Business commenced in the Widmore Road Station on 15 March 1915. The Home Office authority was granted in 1882 to Section House and mamed quarters (excepting spend £5,200 for the purchase of a site on Church those of the Constables) were ready for occupation Hill. Beckenham for a new Station. Taylor & a week later. Cumming’s tender of £4,200 was accepted and the new Station was opened in 1885. In 1929 a block A further re-organisation in 1932 found Bromley as of flats for housing firemen was erected at the rear a subdivision Station with Famborough, of the Station, unfortunatdy overlooking the Station Chislehurst and St. Mary Cray Sectional Stations. itself, so the Station wall was raised by four feet. When police boundaries were aligned to the new Local Authority boundaries in 1965, Bromley was A re-organisation of No.4 area in 1932 brought shown as a Sub-Division on ‘P* or Catford about changes in the boundaries, and Beckenliam Division. Internal boundaries of ‘P’ Division were found itself a Sectional Station on Southend Village altered in 1974. Sub-Division The London Government Act of

4 Qromlcagc March 1998

Pcnge Police Station Office, with Glebe Way as a suitable location The idea languished until 1963 when it was revived but Home Office approval for the leasing of a comer no action was taken as there was no space in the site of Green Lane and Dulwich Road was given in building programme. Premises were offered in 1868, but it was not until 1870 that a new Glebe Way in 1970. but after eight months of temporary station was opened in Penge. This was negotiations ‘circumstances changed’ and another after a four-year campaign by the Parish officers location was sought. This time negotiations for a Police Station in Penge. It was Mr. William succeeded in 1971 for the leasehold of 9 High Street Gibson of the Parochial Office who had urged in as a Police Office. After necessary conversions 1869 that a Police Station be erected with the were made, West Wickham Police Office opened coming of winter and consequently an increase in for business on Monday 16 March 1974. enme; and the growing poverty and want of Joyce Walker employment for the lower classes in the locality. AND NOW....! On 1 October 1869 Sydenham, Lewisham and part of Penge were formed into Sydenham Sub-Division Joyce Walker’s article reaches the 1974 period. Inspector Ings was in charge, stationed at Since then there have been more changes. 1 will Sydenham. only comment on a few. Both Famborough (Locks Bottom) and St Mary Cray stations have closed and In 1872 the new Police Station became operational. the buildings are used for other non-police Its postal address in 1879 was given as 175 purposes Orpington Station in the Walnuts has Beckenham Road, Penge S.E. The freehold was opened as a modem, if uninteresting-looking office purchased from Mr Long for £ 1,617 block. Since 1994 Bromley and Orpington have been joined as one police division. That is, one The boundaries of No. 4 District were revised in Chief Superintendent (instead of two) and allegedly 1932 when Penge and Beckenham were designated less management levels. Sectional Stations of Southend Village Sub-Station of *P* Division This joint division has the largest geographical area and almost the largest numbers of officers of any of Boundaries were again revised to fall in line with the 62 Metropolitan police divisions. Fortunately the Local Authority boundaries created by the the crime figures are low compared with many London Government Act 1963. Penge and others areas of London The above changes Beckenham were then designated Sectional Stations therefore have perhaps taken place with few of Bromley Sub-Division in the new London realising - even in the police! Borough of Bromley. Paul Rason November 1997

West Wickham Police Office A Performing Bear at Penge

West Wickham did not acquire a Police (Station) On Tuesday morning July 16th, Police-Sergeant Sosc, 188 P. Office until 1974, but references to West Wickham passing along Maple-road. Pengc. came upon two young in Metropolitan Police documents begin in one Frenchmen named Jacques Ajas Couries and Piene George, dated 20 December 1839 on ‘R’ Division, under the in charge of a performing bear, which was made to climb a pole, and go through several antics. A large crowd of persons heading 'Places where prisoners arc now locked up had collected, and an obstruction was caused. They were in the proposed new Police District\ ‘No. 12 is taken lo Pcngc police station, and Mr Bcrthout attended as Bromley with Lockups in the Parishes of interpreter. They stated that the bear, when six months old Famborough. Down. Keston, Hayes and West was caught on the borders of Spam, and that they gave £2 l Os Wickham.* Another document shows that the for it, trained it, and went through England with it, without anyone interfering with them. They knew they were not strength at West Wickham in the 4th Section of ‘R‘ allowed in London, and had no idea they were in the Division was two Police Constables housed in Metropolitan area. They stated that there were 15 otJier private lodgings. Charges were taken at Bromley French performing bears in England The railway company Police Station. refusing to take the bear to Lambeth Police Court, one of the prisoners was left in charge of it in the police station yard, and the other was taken before Mr Chance, who bound the It was not until over a 100 years later that it was offenders over for £5 to leave London. suggested that West Wickham should have a Police Bockcnham Journal 1881.

5 Dromlcage March 1998

LOCAL STUDIES CORNER The Police Review and Parade Gossip Jan 12th, 1917 Some years ago, the library produced a number of local history books, most of which are no longer STRUGGLE WITH ARMED POACHER. available. I have, in conjunction with the committee of this society, been looking at the possibility of In recognition of his courageous conduct in making some of these available again, bringing arresting an armed poacher in some woods at West them up to date where necessary. We are also Wickham, P C. James Hardy P Division was at looking at new titles. Currently four are under Bow Street Police Court on Saturday presented by consideration and we hope to have two available by Sir John Dickinson with a cheque for £10 The the end of the year. magistrate said that since he had been at Bow Street, it lias been liis pleasant duty to reward You will have seen in your programme that we are Police officers who had bravely saved persons holding an Open Evening in the library on Tuesday imperilled by fire or water, stopped runaway horses 5th May instead of the usual society meeting. or encountered armed desperadoes All these ‘What’s in Store’ is a chance to look at a range of incidents took place in London, but the courage of materials normally locked away in the Archives. If P C. Hardy opened up a new vista. you would like to know about any particular type of items or would like to know what we have on a At 12.14 a.m on November 30th, Hardy was called subject of interest to you, please let me know and I by a gamekeeper employed by Sir Henry Lennard, will try to include it. at Wickham Court, West Wickham, who had heard several shots in Ruffet's Wood and asked the We liavc liad a number of recent enquines about Constable to accompany him there. When they had Hill House, Beckenham Lane, near the Hill car been there a short time, two men - George park. The house seems to have been missed by Bloomfield and another man whose identity was Bromley historians but dates back at least 130 not known - came along the ride. Bailey flashed his years. Our usual experts have been unable to help electric torch in Bloomfield’s face. The latter us but perhaps you know something about it? Its raised a gun he was carrying and knocked off the most recent use is as a Territorial Army Centre. Constable’s helmet He struck the Constable a violent blow on the head with his gun, using so Simon Finch much force that the gun was broken at the breedi Other News In the meanumc the second man escaped

For those of you who are also family historians, Unfortunately the gamekeeper mistook the you may be interested to know that we have Constable for one of the poachers, and during the recently bought microfiche copies of the more struggle that ensued Bloomfield concealed himself recent G.R.O indexes of births, marriages and in the thick undergrowth about 150 yards away. By deaths, from 1984 into the 1990s and most of the this time the gamekeeper had recognised Hardy, other G.R.O. indexes (which have recently become and assisted him to his feet. The Constable then available on microfiche), e g births, marriages and sent his dog into the wood, and followed liim The deaths abroad or at sea. War Deaths ecc.etc dog found Bloomfield and the Constable, although severely hurt, and bleeding profusely, closed with It is planned to fill the vacancy that has existed in him. Bloomfield was arrested, and Iris broken gun die library since last August, in May or June, but at taken from him The Constable was very' weak a lower grade. This could, of course, be an from loss of blood from a deep wound in his head, advantage in that you are more likely to get and was unable to resume duty until recently. someone with local knowledge and interest rather than a career librarian who will move on after a Sir John, shaking the Constable warmly by the year or two. hand, complimented him on his courageous conduct and tenacity of purpose, and said he hoped he I will be leaving the library at the end of March would live long to be an honour to the Police after five and a half years, with the intention of Force. having more time to spend on my own local and NR. This story raises several interesting ipierians Wc would be pleased family history research to hear from anyone who has any mfonnaluxi on any of the pcuple Denise Rason involved E d

6 Bromleagc March 1998

LETTERS PAGE goods depot delivenng goods brought by the railway over a wide area All vehicles were of Dear Editors course horse-drawn and because all able-bodied men were in the army, the drivers were all women, With reference to Mr Alan Church’s letter in the two to each vehicle On the day in question they December 1997 Newsletter, St Andrew’s Iron were unloading goods at Rennet’s when a large Mission Room existed from 1907 in Nicliol Lane, cask rolled off the cart and crashed to the ground, on the site of the present Petrol Station at Plaistow bursting open and spilling its contents. I am not Green It was moved in 1913, when it devolved certain what the contents were but this soon further from St Mary’s Church to a site on land attracted women and children from adjoining houses opposite the present St. Andrew’s Church in Burnt with jugs and basins to salvage what they could of Ash Lane, presented by Sir Samuel Scott. the contents. I was not an actual witness but remember my elder sister who had been passing After the opening of St. Andrew’s Church in 1930, nearby coming home in great excitement with the it remained in use as a church hall for about two story. So far as I know she did not join in the years until an adjacent church hall was built. As it salvage. is recorded that the stage and some of the John Belsey floorboards of the old tin church were used for the new construction, it must be assumed that the old Dear Mr & Mrs Rason church was dismantled and made way for development about 1932. I have only recently become a member o f the Beckenham & Penge group but 1 wondered if For some Ume Andrew Martin was unable to obtaui anyone could help me with the following: - a photograph of this ‘tin church’ for Ins history of St Andrew’s church “Not a Mile from Milk John Goddard was a well known resident at Elmers Street” 1 remember how bucked he was End where he lived at the Elmer Lodge and when he finally obtained one. Goddard Road was named after him In 1871 he was described as a retired Actuary, aged 67 Probably one of the best known iron churches was what was invariably referred to as the ‘‘Tin One of his daughters Louisa Davis Goddard Tabernacle” on the south east side of Farwig Lane married Leonidas Marcondes de Montezuma (1831 This existed from 1883 until 1905, as the Farwig - 1895) from whom some of their descendants have (Methodist) Mission, founded at No. 11 Mooreland inherited a progressive form of blindness called Road opposite, by Willie Gibbs the future Bromley Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy. Mayor. It was then superseded by the splendid, but now demolished, Central Hall Buildings in London I am trying to help one of these descendants to find Road adjacent to Longfield the insurance company where John Goddard worked. Moorfields eye hospital is engaged in long Geoffrey L. Emms term DNA testing on this family and would like to find any possible records of Leonidas’ eye To the Editors problems If he had life insurance, he had to have a medical and so we are trying to track down John I refer to the item on page 3 of the December issue Goddard’s insurance company. I have an address under the heading “A breakdown and its results’’ for 'The Reversionary and Investment Company bocause it reminds me of a very similar incident just Ltd ' 3 South Square, Grays Inn. London (1910) fifty years later It would have been in 1918 when I and therein is my enquiry. was five years old My family lived in Palace Road, Bromley. My father, like every other man of his Does anyone know anything more about John age, was in the Army There was a small grocer’s Goddard and his insurance company? Does anyone shop in North Road, a hundred yards from where know about the set-up of insurance companies in we lived, run by Mr & Mrs Kennet. The building is the 19th century? I should also like to know why still there but it was converted to a private house John Goddard was held in such high esteem in several years ago. Bromley North Station (South Elmers End eastern and Chatham Railway) was a very busy Pat Manning. 29 Birchwood Ave.Beckenham, BR3 SPY

7 Bromlcagc March 1998

A WORKHOUSE ROMANCE who had borne my father and his sister (and who had died of acute tuberculosis at the age of 29) 1 was fascinated to read Bill Tonkin's article on the North Surrey District School at Penge In 1906, only two years before the District School (BROMLEAGE. December 1997) because I owe exhibited at the Franco-Bntish Exhibition, my my very existence to that institution father reached school-leaving age, his sister having already gone out to domestic service at South My maternal grandfather, William Williams, was a Norwood a couple of years earlier. Coincidentally, boot and shoe maker. As a young man, in the mid William Williams needed a new apprentice and my 1880's, he opened a small workshop in West father was one of the boys interviewed, inspected Wickham High Street (he and his wife and two and chosen by this rather fearsome man. baby daughters were living behind and above by the time of the 1891 census). So my father came to West Wickham, was taught the trade and was loved by his master's wife who His first apprentice was a local lad who, as soon as treated him as if he were her own son he was trained, set up in opposition elsewhere in the village So, thereafter, my grandfather always But, on completion of his apprenticeship, my father recruited liis apprentices from the Penge school, fell out with his master over his future wages (as where, he realised, boot-making was taught to boys I've said, William Williams was both mean and who would have no family that might subsequently difficult). So, on the spur of the moment but (as he help them start their own business in competition told me many years later) remembering the talcs of with him. adventure and exploration that he’d been encouraged to read about at school, he secretly went By this time, the Schools management was to Chatham and signed up for 22 years' service in meticulous in ensuring that when the boys left to the Royal Navy. take up an apprenticeship (or the girls to go into domestic service) they were placed in a good home, My grandfather was incandescent with rage but where they would receive sound training eventually liis wife (who was apparently a superb tactician in managing liim) persuaded lum that My maternal grandfather was a very fine craftsman Charlie Cox should be allowed to stay with the (although, also a mean and difficult man) and his family when he had leave, since he liad absolutely wife was a ‘sweetie’ who had always wanted sons. nowhere else to go. She had borne four boys, all of whom had died in infancy (whereas her two daughters lived into their In due course, he married his former employer’s seventies) and she treated successive apprentices as younger daughter; and the rest is history. though they were her own. It's clear, from what my father told me, that the With such a reputation for training and for family school was run on strict, spartan, unemotional and care, William Williams had got to the point where institutional lines. But the staff were very the School authorities no longer felt the need to responsible in their supervision and training, there inspect his premises before sending boys there. was (for that time) little corporal punishment and Further, when he was seeking a new apprentice he absolutely no cruelty, corruption or was allowed to visit the School, interview would-be maladministration leavers who had learned bootmaking, look at displayed work and take his pick. It does nor surprise me to read Bill Tonkin’s finding that the school, at the time my father was there, was This is where my father comes into the picture for regarded as. one of the finest of its type in the in 1897, sixteen days before Chnstmas, he (aged 5) country. and his sister (aged 7) were admitted to the Wandsworth and Battersea Workhouse and, next My father would never have become a great day, were sent to the North Suney District School craftsman - in any case hand-made boots and shoes at Penge. This had come about because my were becoming a thing of the past. But I have no paternal grandfather had just died (aged 42) as a doubt that his successful and very happy career in consequence of lifting his elbow too much, having the Royal Navy - he was finally demobbed in 1945, been predeceased by his wife (who had died of aged 53, with the rank of Commissioned Warrant myxoedema, aged 36) and his long-term mistress Officer - was due entirely to the training he had received at the North Surrey District School. Ron Cox (Dr)

8 Bromlcnce March 1998

Medieval churches Historic Churches are rarely constructed solely in one architectural style but often contain work from in the London Borough Of Bromley 3 number of periods. For example, St. Martin's Church. Chelsfield which was originally built in the Motes relating to a Lecture given by John Bailey BA BArch Registered Architect on 1 ldi century was extensively remodelled in die 13di Tuesday 7th October J997 century Ancient Churches are also susceptible to reductions in size as well Demolition of part or all Up until the end of the 19th century, much of what of a church usually reflected a change in die is today urban Bromley was still the open farm land building's use or numbers attending For example of North Kent Tins landscape was dotted with die North aisle or chapels at St. Pauhnus' Church. villages and today, although most are now St. Paul's Cray were removed during the medieval swallowed up in die general urban sprawl, a period possibly as a reaction to a reduction in significant number of the ancient parish churches population at or around die time of die Black still survive These churches which predominate in Death. the suburbs and rural edges of the Borough, contain a wealth of medieval fabric, some of which dates Before considering die surviving medieval churches back over 1000 years. it is also important to consider that many of diese buildings have been extensively worked on since the Medieval church architecture i.e that which was Reformation Most churches in the Bromley area employed in the construction of ecclesiastical are constructed of flint. These flint walls would buildings from the 6th century up until the have originally been rendered and the exposure of Reformation in die 1540’s is divided into a number flint results from a lack of maintenance and of architectural styles misguided 19th century ‘restorations’. Most of die Bromley area churches also have significant fabric Saxon (essentially Romanesque) 410 - 1066 from die 16di-20di centimes and all have been Norman (Romanesque) 1066 - 1160's + subjected to 19th century restorations which have Transitional (Proto-Godlic) 1145 - 1190's altered or removed significant amounts of histone Early English (Godiic Style) 11 °0 - 1300 fabric One church which perhaps shows die best Decorated (Godiic) range of work from die past 350 years is St Giles, Geometrical ) mid 70 years of Famborough which was repaired in 1641. had Curvilinear ) die 14di century gallenes inserted in the 18di century, was repaired Perpendicular (Gothic) and extended in die 1880's and liad the tower rebuilt Rectilinear 1390's - 1540's in 1951 following a fire

Saxon Architecture

Very little fabric survives in the Bromley churches from the Saxon period. Dunng dial late Saxon period temporal power was concentrated at the Manor of Ruxley (now only a garden centre) while die Archbishop of Canterbury held Orpington and later Norman Archbishops had a Palace at Bromley.

The little Saxon work that survives is fragmentary. The most famous survival is die Saxon sundial at All Saints, Orpington which was discovered during die demolition of the original Soudi wall of the Church. The only odier clearly Saxon work exists at St. Paulinus' Church, St. Paul's Cray where the remains of a Saxon window survive liigh up in the : St Peter and St Paul, Cudliam - View from the east showing the extension of the church over 400 years. North wall of the nave. The window head and reveals are constructed of reused Roman dies and its deeply splayed design suggests a date of construction of around 1000 AD

9 Bromleagc March 1998

'Tlie best preserved Saxon church in the area is to The nave at St. Giles the Abbot’s Church, be found at Darenth near Dartford where half the Famborough and All Saints Church, Orpington nave and a complete Saxon window survives (area probably dale from the first half of the 12th 1000 AD) For an impression of what the majority century, although this is surmised from wall of the local Saxon churches would have looked like, thickness alone. St. Nicholas' Church in one has to go to Grocnstead Ongar in Essex. Here Chislehurst retains its mid-12th century font (an the nave of a timber log church survives (circa identical font also exists at All Saints Church, 1000 AD) and this gives a clear indication of what Footscray) most timber Saxon churches would have looked like. Early English

Norman Romanesque The 13th century sees the rise of the first of the Gothic styles of architecture. Early English, and While Saxon remains may be scarce, examples of many churches in the area retain fabric from this Norman architecture survive well in the Bromley period. The style was a marked contrast to the area. Gundulf the second Norman Bishop of Norman Romanesque with its round headed arches Rochester held lands in the area and is often and openings and thick walls. The new style had attributed with the massive Churdi building thin pointed windows called lancets as well as large programme which took place all over North West plate tracery windows, wider pointed arcade ardies. Kent up until 1100 AD thinner walls, nbbed vaulting and generally a much lighter appearance. All these features had been The majority of the Norman period churches in the seen, including tire ribbed vault at Durham area date from this period. Although constructed Cathedral, in the lObO’s However, the after the Conquest the work was undertaken by acknowledged ancestor of the style is the Church of Saxon masons and typical Saxon details survive. St. Denise, Pans area 1134. Churches from this period arc therefore referred to as Saxo-Norman and. the best surviving buildings The chancel at Famborough. although totally can be found at Chclsfield and Cudham. refaccd and reconstructed by the architect Joseph Clarke in the I880's, gives a good impression of St. Martin of Tour Church Chelsfield is the most what a churdi of the penod may have looked like. complete. The nave and chancel (both later altered) survive The West wall of the nave retains clear Original 13th century work exists at Keston Parish evtdcnce of the original arrangement of round Church which has lancet windows perhaps cut headed and circular windows and also has side through earlier walls, and at Cudham Churdi where alternate quoins at the external comers, a clear the chancel, piscina and arcade into the South aisle indication of a late 11th century date (quoinmg is of the chancel date from this penod. However, the what large stones are used to reinforce a wall best work of the period survives at Chelsfidd and comer. Side alternate quoining is a particular St. Paulinus' Churdi, St. Paul's Cray. technique). The North wall of the nave also has areas of characteristic herringbone work. .At Chelsficld the Norman chancel was remodelled with a new arrangement of Eastern windows. These windows, complete with tlicir dividing shafts, / St Peter and St. Paul's\ survive today as does the tower arch and the arches • Church. Cudham retains : into the Southern extension of the nave. A similar the Saxo-Norman nave arrangement of Eastern windows must have existed which contains the best ; at St. Paulmus' Church. However, only fragments preserved windows of i survive, as a late 15th century window was cut the p en od. These arc through the 13th century work. The finest work of characterised by the the period is to be found in the South aisle arcade at external head of the j St. Paulinus'. The columns, bases, arches and opening which is cut capitals all survive. The capitals in particular are from a single stone j magnificent and, although quite crudely carved, block. have a vibrant collection of human, animal and floral representations.

10 Uromleagc March 1998

Decorated Period the chancel and North chapel screens survive from tins penod. The columns of the arcade arc The 14th century saw a further sea change in quatrefoil m plan and arc very similar in design to architectural styles The Decorated Period brought those at Shoreham Church. The timber screens are in larger windows with far more complicated particularly fine and other good timber screens of tracery, two-centred pointed arches to arcades and similar date exist at St. Mary's Church. St Mary windows, and further elaboration of stone vaults. Cray. Because of successive 18th and 19th century restorations the Bromley area is not over blessed St. John the Baptist Church. West Wickham owes with good examples from this period. Windows in much of its present form to a rebuilding programme particular have been rebuilt. To get an appreciation paid for by Sir Henry Heydon who died in 1504 of what a large 14th century church looked like, one The North arcade and chancel arch survive as does has to go to see St. Botolph's at Northfleet which the nave and chancel roof However, the Church possesses a most remarkable collection of original also retains the chancel screen (now relocated) of window tracery. circa 1490 and a magnificent collection of painted glass windows in the lady chapel These windows St Mary’s Church, St. Mary Cray has the arcade to include figures of saints and a skeleton possibly the South aisle which dates from tlus penod representing Sir Henry and arc the finest surviving However die best example is probably found at examples of medieval glass in the area Cudhnm Church The North aisle was built around 1350 and was paid for by the Manor of Aperfield The font at Cudham Church also dates from the The aisle retains us arcade of arches, capitals, 15th century and the two brick built North facing columns, bases and its piscina windows of the nave at Famborough which retain their original ferrementa date from die early 16di The South door at Chislchurst, reused in the 1849 century' restoration, may also date from this penod while at Famborough the so called North aisle contains an excellent two light 14th century window (which now contains a William Moms stained glass window) and an excellent eight sided font which was probably cracked when the Church roof fell in 1639,

Perpendicular

Tins was the last of the medieval styles of architecture and spans almost 150 years of construction. The style is typified by compound columns, multi-centred arches, huge windows with St Martin ofTours. Chelsfield honzonta! tracery and magnificent vaults East end of chancel, walls 11th century, lancet culminating in the wondrous fan vaulting and windows 13th century but repaired pendent vaulting designs When the 16th century arnved the style also started to incorporate classical Conclusion details It is impossible in such a short article to give a full Due to the areas close proximity to London, money account of the surviving Medieval Churches in the seems to have been made available for the London Borough of Bromley It is however, hoped rebuilding of a number of churches during the 15th that the article has brought to peoples' attention die century The Nave at Cudham got a new roof. wealth of surviving fabric and will encourage them However, the best examples are found at to visit the Churches for themselves. Chislehurst and St. John the Baptist Church, West Wickham. John Hailey u an architect with Thomas hard A Partner*. Architects and Surveyorr. He u a quinquennial impecnnp architect la thirty churches In South East London and marks on many historic churches Chislehurst Church was probably rebuilt between in the Diocese of Rochester and SaulhwurL 1446 and 1482 The arcade to the North aisle and

11 BromJcagc March 1998

IN THE STEPS OF ST.PAULINUS was at Southwell in Nottinghamshire, a stone's throw from the imposing Minster, which is Most members o f BBLHS will be aware that the dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Paulinus is "s" in St. Paul's Cray denotes, not a possessive o f said to have established the first church here in Paul, but a contraction o f Paulinus. Last summer about 630 AD, and there is certainly a small part of John Blundell (of St. Mary Cray Action Group) an Anglo-Saxon building still visible - it and his wife went on a "pilgrimage" in the steps o f incorporates small floor tiles which appear to be St.Paulinus in the north o f England On their tessarae from a Roman building Of the figures return he wrote an account fo r St.Mary Cray which appear on the pulpit one is a representation parish magazine and has kindly allowed us to of Paulinus in Bishop's robes. An elaborate stained print an abbreviated version. He begins > glass window above the font includes a figure which is labelled Paulinus Bp. above a ‘Paulinus, one of the first Christian missionaries, representation of the River Trent. He is holding a came to this country in 601 AD. and became the model of the Minster - but apparently this is the Bishop of York In 633 he came south and was later Nonman building. appointed Bishop of Rochester, a position he held for the last ten years of his life. Beyond Southwell is Littleborough but unfortunately we found ourselves on the wrong side Very few churches have been dedicated to of the Trent so Littlcborough must await a future St.Paulinus, and two of them are in north-west Kent visit. Bede refers to a man who was baptised there close to the River Cray, one at Crayford and the c.625 by Paulinus in the presence of King Edwin. It other at St.Paul’s Cray. There is no direct evidence has been suggested that a mass baptism had taken that Paulinus had personal links with either, and place at nearby Torksey, although Littleborough any early 7th Century structures would have been also claims that honour of timber, subsequently replaced with the flint, stone and brick. Although Lincoln and York both have strong connections with Paulinus we docided not to visit either city on tliis holiday but to discover other locations which are rather less well known in this respect. In Easingwold, north of York, the lady of the house where we stayed had a considerable interest in local history, and as soon as we mentioned Paulinus she immediately referred us to a place known as ‘PulIan’s Carr’ (or Pullan's Shaw) which is shown on old maps of this district This field had been roughly circular in shape, and Paulinus had reputedly preached here before any church had been built. It is recorded that the land had been known as the meadow of Paulinus at the time of King John, and was marked with a ‘Cross of Paulinus1 in the late 13th century Interestingly, the pansh church was once dedicated to St. John the Baptist. We know from other sources that Paulinus was keen to baptise large numbers of newly converted Christians. A ‘carr’ is an area of marshy land, subject to flooding, and could well have been used for such baptisms. Pullan's Carr is located between Easingwold and Stillington, and forms part of the modem golf course. I was determined to learn more about him and in June 1997 set off with Jennifer to tour the Midlands Across the Tyne, we made our way via numerous and North on a holiday in which we not only visited minor roads to Holystone. Just a quarter mile from old friends en route, but enjoyed changes of scene the Salmon Inn we reached a small pool in the and saw many places of interest - particularly some centre of which was a stone cross inscribed (in of those connected with Paulinus. Our first stop English):

12 Bromleage March 1998

IN THIS PLACE available for private prayer, but four daily services PAUUNUS THE BISHOP are held here, except on Sundays. In the centre is a BAPTISED dazzling white stone altar stone with four candle THREE THOUSAND NORTHUMBRIANS stands around it; behind is a modem stained glass EASTER DCKKVII window containing representations of the Paulinus cross, and the twelve flames of the disciples Facing the cross was a roughly carved stone statue (Paulinus ?) not. apparently, of Saxon origin The We left Dewsbury and drove to Whalley, a few whole site is now in the care of the National Trust miles from Burnley The parish church of St.Mary and All Saints has an Anglo-Saxon origin and is From Holystone we headed for Yeavering (Af referred to as the ‘White Church under Hill' in the Gefryn). It was here, below the Iron Age fort on Domesday Book In the churchyard are several Ycavenng Bell that the then pagan King Edwin had eleventh century carved crosses, the designs of established his settlement in the Glen Valley. which suggest links with Iona rather than Rome. Excavations by Brian Hope-Tavlor some forty Yet the public information board in die town centre years ago revealed the foundations of several asseru that Christianity was brought to Whalley substantial timber buildings, as well as an either bv St Paulinus - or by St Augustine! ampliithcatre which could well have been used by Paulmus as he addressed the crowds. Following the The search for Paulinus’ journeys and work is far King's conversion and baptism in York it became from ended, and nearer home we have recently easier for Paulmus to arrange mass baptisms for come across a life size image of the saint in a newly converted Northumbrians modem stained glass window in St.George's Church, Bickley. Should any reader have information about the missionary work of Paulinus TiKi in any part of the country, would they please CEFRIN contact the writer.’ i W i K 1 TO«M iKlf « HU HVfKTH CEttflUBY AKOLO- WOtDK cr MOKntuttSftttA John Blundell, 33, Tartdridge Drive, Orpington HR6 SHY a W t x c n v «snx w fw»«rao.:rt t tt m i i ** »»**% amb> **rrii;a vs, tw u n r t m C ID U * v BROMLEY RECORD SEPT.l, 1887

*»N Nothing remains above ground, but this finely / It is not often a female pedestrian \ carved modem roadside monument. deigns to select Bromley as the scene of her athletic operations, From here we headed south, making first for and consequently Madame Elven's Dewsbury. The Minster Church of All Saints, proposed feat of walking two miles dazzling in the sunshine, contains many treasures an hour, night and day. for a week, spanning the centuries including several tangible is exciting no little curiosity reminders of the days of Paulinus. There arc among the inhabitants who turn out surviving fragments of Anglo-Saxon carvings, in goodly numbers to witness her together with a 19th century replica of an ancient departure from the Rose and Crown, cross bearing a Latin inscription which (translated) Market Square - where Madame Elvcn reads- PAULINUS PREACHED AND has apartments. Madame Elven CELEBRATED HERE AD 627. There arc twenty commenced her walk on Sunday night five figures carved on the 1913 reredos including at 12 o'clock, and will terminate King Edwin, Queen Ethelburga and Paulinus it at twelve o'clock on Saturday Immediately inside the church tower is the Paulinus night. She wears a tight fitting Transept; the saint is depicted in the 19th century’ bodice, with short skirt of blue stained glass window together with Saints Chad and velvet. Her hair is allowed to flow Wilfrid down her back, and her headgear is a large white straw hat. The object On the main axis of the building but above ground of Madame Elven's walk is to win level is the modem Pauhnus Pilgnmagc Chapel, a for herself the "honours" attendant simple, small, but most attractive place. It is the champion female pedestrian.____

13 Dromleage March 1998

ORPINGTON IRIS NURSERIES growing on these irises, and each took 150 plants (to be sold in aid of Kent Group ftmds). The idea Alice Baughen of providing Orpington Historical Society with an i ris garden had become a reality. Some three years ago my husband received a telephone call from Orpington Historical Society’s Bromley Council are responsible for Priory director saying that they had received some material Gardens and work closely with the Friends of on Orpington Iris Nurseries from a local resident Priory Gardens The Council's gardens designer interested in preserving the history of local affairs and head gardener met with Dr Colin Dawson, of the past and wondered if we could supplement chairman of the Friends of Priory Gardens, and this with any records we might have. To see what Bemey to discuss the siting of the new iris bed. they held already he arranged an appointment and Bemey suggested the site dose to the Priory visited the offices located in the Priory buildings buildings, which was a lawn, and offered 150 within the precincts of Orpington Priory Gardens. potted plants as a gift from the Kent Group, He It turned out that the Historical Society had gave advice on planting and the designer produced received a batch of odd ins catalogues, press sketches that met with everyone's approval. Within cuttings and advertisements of Orpington Iris ten days the new bed had been dug and prepared Nurseries together with articles printed in various and all the irises planted in early October, 1995 editions of the BIS Year Book. The history was The Fnends of Priory Gardens expressed their incomplete and Bemey offered to provide them with gratitude and said they would like to hold a handing photocopies of the missing Year Book articles and over ceremony at flowering ume with the Mayor of other items which they could add to their archives. Bromley present. The plants did very well over the During the discussion Bemey suggested that a winter and quite a few flowered or showed buds in ‘living’ memorial to Oipington Iris Nurseries could June. be an iris garden formed of irises from that nursery, planted in the Priory Gardens. His suggestion was The Kent Group were invited to attend the handing promptly accepted but he cautioned that it would over ceremony on June 5, 1996 and the Friends of take some time to locate and collect these irises. Priory Gardens provided a tent for us to mount a And so the search began among Kent Group publicity display and vases of modem day irises members to gather suitable varieties. Additionally, we brought pots of the Orpington vintage irises along and donated them to the Fnends As luck would have it, Terry Rayfield, a Kent to sell for their funds. Dr Dawson officiated in the Group member, and his wife Barbara live in presence of their members and Kent Group Orpington dose to where Orpington Iris Nurseries members, and Bemey officially handed over the were once situated They related to Bemey that irises on behalf of the Kent Group to the Mayor of most of their irises had been given to them by Bromley, Councillor Peter Wood. (not. 1 hasten to Barbara's mother, Mrs Sumner, who had originally say, our Peter Wood.) The Mayor was presented bought all her irises from Orpington Iris Nurseries. with two pots of irises, one of which was ‘White Mrs Sumner was about to give up her house to go City’, with the compliments of the Kent Group, and and live with her daughter and son-in-law so we he in turn thanked us warmly and expressed his would be very welcome to all of her irises if we appreciation of our generosity and thoughtfulness in would like to go and lift them. Well, Bemey and I pursuing this ideal project turned to and spent two long week-ends lifting and bagging these "golden oldies", most having lost Thelma Naylor, who was present with other Kent their labds, but amongst them of course was Olive Group members suggested that perhaps the Council Murrell's Dykes Medal winner of 1940 ‘White might consider a companion bed devoted to modem City*. Terry donated and helped dig some inses day irises and this proposal was warmly received. from his garden too, and those in flower were Perhaps next year wc can do something about this * photographed in the hope of identifying them at a It is worth mentioning too that within the Priory future date Altogether we must have dug and Gardens there is a large lake which could be made divided over 500 rhizomes. There were too many much more interesting and colourful with the for us to look after in addition to our own irises but addition of water and marginal inses. Bemey has we duly cleaned them all and potted up what we drawn the attention of the Friends and the head could. We enlisted the help of James French and gardener to this aspect and they would be receptive Barry Emmerson who had space to spare for of plants to feature around the lake.

14 Bromleage March 1998

It was as a result of this contact with the Orpington Scopes and. outstandingly, the many Historical Society and the 50th anniversary of the varieties from John Taylor. Kent Group in 1996 that Bemey undertook to research the history of Orpington Iris Nurseries and Sadly, John Murrell died at the early age of he produced a display at the handing over ceremony 58, the same year incidentally as his former which 1 think is worth recalling. partner George Whitelegg.

XXXXXXXJOOOOOOOOOOCOi Olive Murrell continued to run the business The story of Orpington Iris Nurseries began with great success until her death in 1957. after World War I when Major P. J. Murrell Her son-in-law Laurence Neel assumed and George Whitelegg were in partnership control and the nursery remained in and they had nurseries at Chislehurst and Orpington until 1966 when it moved to Catton Orpington. Major Murrell, popularly known by Park. Reigate, Surrey. Here, Laurence his second Christian name John, married maintained large stocks of all kinds of irises Olive and they had a daughter, named as well as many other plants, notably alliums Winifred. and Korean chrysanthemums. However, eventually the business closed in 1981 and They purchased W R. Dykes’ stock of 15,000 Laurence and Winifred returned to Canada irises in 1920 as Mr Dykes had to dispose of where he died in 1988. them when he was appointed Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society. Though the name of Orpington Nurseries continued to be used when the move to In 1922 the partnership with George Catton Park took place, it has now passed Whitelegg ended with the Murrells’ taking into the history books, but will long be over the Orpington nursery located at remembered and respected by iris Holmesdale Road, off Crofton Lane. John enthusiasts the world over. Murrell was a very experienced horticulturist and landscape gardener and he shared his expertise and knowledge with Olive, who very A copy of this potted liistory was presented to the quickly developed a keen interest in irises. Orpington Historical Society together with a The business flourished and in 1935 they collection of Orpington Iris Nurseries' catalogues decided to move to 174 Crofton Lane and to for the archives. concentrate on irises. That year their daughter Winifred married Laurence Neel, Olive Murrell together with James (Mackie) Birrell who was himself an iris expert, as he and his father had raised in Canada the famous and Anthony Drewett were founder members of the 'Shah Jehan' tall bearded iris. Naturally Kent Group, the first regional group of The Iris Laurence and Winified were both very much Society, as it was then known, in 1946. And so we involved in the family business. came to our 50th anniversary this year and the Kent Group celebrated the occasion with a splendid lunch John Murrell became increasingly absent at a restaurant located very dose to where from the nursery because of the horticultural Orpington Iris Nurseries first began. The Kent advisory and landscape commissions that Group is thriving. Olive surely would have been took him all over the country. This put an pleased to know that increasing workload on the shoulders of Olive * Mr Baughen tells us that they ha\'c since donated in running the business, yet they both still 155 more British-bred irises to the Friends o f the found time to hybridise and produce many Priory for a second bed, which should be at its best for beautiful irises. The most famous must be the Millenium. ^ Olive’s tall bearded iris 'White City’ which won | ^ ^ the most coveted award of the iris world - the / \ Dykes Medal in 1940. Over the years they This article was spotted by our member Peter Bacon in gained fame for introducing many other The Iris Year Book 1996 and is re-printed here with brilliant hybridisers’ creations, including those their permission. We are always pleased to have of Yeld, Dykes, Bliss, Pilkington, Baker, local articles such as this brought to our attention . Insole, the Brumm'rtts, Dodsworth, Hall,

15 Bromleagc March 1998

AND FINALLY road nearly at the bottom of Spout Hill, where it was not very steep. His bicycle was close beside The Beckenham and Penge Adveniser him, and the handles, she noticed, were turned May 2nd 1918 round. He was unconscious and bleeding very badly FATAL CYCLING ACCIDENT. from the nose and a wound in his forehead. She went for the Miss Frances at the school house near Police Constable James Owen Hardy, of Addington, by, and left her with the deceased whilst she went was to have received the King’s Medal for bravery for further assistance, and a Special Constable and from the Marquis of Crewe in the Green Park on a uniformed constable soon amved. Dr Laking of Saturday afternoon, but the previous night he died the War Hospital, was telephoned for, and also the in Croydon Hospital from terrible injuries received Municipal Ambulance, and after the doctor liad whilst cycling at Spout Hill, Addington a few hours seen him he was brought to the hospital. before. Such are the pathetic circumstances Lavinia Francis, head teacher at Addington School, surrounding the death of as brave a constable as the who was called by Mrs Ford said that no time was Metropolitan Police force ever possessed, and one lost in rendering all human help possible. She who had to suffer physical pain and inconvenience bathed his head with warm water, and did what she long afterwards for what he did in the execution of could. The hill was a very dangerous one. Deceased his duty. That the injuries he received in November was laying face downwards with the bicycle on the 1916, may have had something to do with his death lower part of his legs. is quite possible, for he had since complained to many people of attacks of giddiness and faintness. Thomas Frost, Postmaster and Special Constable, of Addington Village, expressed the opinion that The deed that gained for him the coveted King’s whether deceased became unconscious and fell from Police Medal is thus recorded:- “On November 30th his machine or was thrown off owing to suddenly 1916 at 12.15 a.m. Hardy was summoned by a applying the brakes was a matter of conjecture. gamekeeper to assist him at Ruffet’s Wood, West Witness explained that he had heard him complain Wickham, where shots had been heard. After of pains in his head as a result of the poaching walking a short time they saw two men walking in a affray in which he was engaged. He frequently felt ride. One of them knocked off the constable’s sensations of giddiness or faintness. It was not helmet with his gun. He then felled the officer by a deceased’s custom to ride down the hill. Witness violent blow on the head. Meanwhile the other man thought something should be said in praise of Dr escaped and the gamekeeper unfortunately mistook Laking, because this was not the first time he had the constable for the man who had struck him and attended in cases of emergency in the village, fell on him. The man decamped in the wood, but without charge. was found by Hardy’s dog and the officer, although seriously wounded and bleeding profusely, grappled The Coroner did not suppose anybody in the with him, and eventually received assistance from country did more gratuitous work than doctors the gamekeeper". P.C. Cleaver 317 P. of Shirley, said that the road At the inquest, which was held at Croydon Hospital was clear and in fairly good condition. on Tuesday evening, the Coroner remarked upon the sad features of the case. Dr P. W. James of Park-lane Croydon, who was acting for the day at the hospital, said that deceased Fredenck James Hardy, of New Cottage, Addington passed away about nine o’clock the same evening. Village, son, said that he first heard of the accident His skull was fractured and the blow to his head on Friday afternoon, when he was fetched and must have been a very violent one. Had deceased found his father laying unconscious almost at the been cycling at an ordinary rate he would not have bottom of Spout Hill, Addington. Deceased in all fractured his skull so severely. probability met with the accident when he was descending the hill an his way home. He always The jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental Death* and joined with the Coroner in expressing sympathy walked down the first part of the hill owing to its with deceased family at his death under such sad steepness. circumstances. Mrs Florence Ford, of Lower Green, Mitcham, a In reply to a question Dr James said it was possible Surrey County Council School Attendance Officer, that deceased former injury had caused him to be described how about half-past three on Friday epileptic, which caused him to fall, but there was no afternoon she found the deceased lying across the evidence of this.