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Home , Beckenham, Bromley, Enid Blyton

A wAlk Around A wAlk Around Beckenham

green; a school and pubs. Alongside a number of prominent families a Walk around Beckenham Town centre well known chain stores, it has through the ages, starting with the locally rooted independent shops. Cator family who moved to the This is part of a series of walking Beckenham is an attractive and There is a wide variety of cafés, Beckenham area in the late 1700s. trails around towns in the highly sought after area of London restaurants, bars, pubs and a cinema Other prominent families include Borough of . It has been to live, work and visit. Its rich and attracting leisure users by day and the Hoare, Thornton and Spencers’. produced by Bromley Council in long history has helped form a night. You are invited to take a consultation with The Beckenham character which is very distinctive break from your tour to enjoy a bite As you walk this trail, you will be Society and Copers Cope Area from other towns in the London to eat or refreshing drink. following in the foot steps of some Residents Association. The purpose Borough of Bromley. well known names associated with of this booklet is to provide Beckenham has a strong historic Beckenham including children’s residents and visitors with a taste of The centre of Beckenham is its heritage and this deserves to be author ; poet and the long and distinguished history vibrant High Street. For many celebrated. Its history can be traced composer ; entertainer of Beckenham centering on the people Beckenham High Street’s back to Roman times. The line of Bob Monkhouse; actor Julie High Street. Further information historic heritage and proximity a Roman road runs through Kelsey Andrews; singer ; and and a fuller version of this trail is of housing still give it a desirable Park to the south of the station and former Prime Minister Sir John available at www.bromley.gov.uk/ ‘village’ character with a winding to the north. Major. beckenhamheritage. road; parish churches; a village The modern town of Beckenham This walk is an urban walk with was shaped by the railway and some hills and takes about an hour. An alternative route is provided for people with mobility issues or those with prams at the appropriate location (after Stop 9).

We start at Beckenham’s main gateway into the town, the railway station in Rectory Road. Welcome to Beckenham.

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1 Beckenham Junction 2 Beckenham Green 3 St George’s 4 St George’s church Station conservation area churchyard On reaching Beckenham Green you The pathway leading from the will have the opportunity to look Entering the High Street from the entrance gate was made from closely at the Town Sign, next to Green, opposite you there is a salvaged gravestones. Old railings which is a plaque setting out the parade of fine Victorian buildings and ironwork from around the recent history of The Green and with gables and fine detailing from graveyard was removed during reasons for its formation as the the corner of Rectory Road and the World War II and given to the ‘Village Green’. High Street. Beckenham Station opened in 1857 Government as scrap metal towards and was the terminus of the mid the war effort. The Green today is the site where line from London Bridge. There two bombs fell in the Second was a turntable at the end of the Take time to wander around World War. It is the heart of the You should note that there are the line. Later the railway became part the graves, many of the smaller local community with markets and Mews to the rear of Nos. 18 – 30 of the London, Chatham and Dover headstones have not survived but festivals held throughout the year. High Street which housed stables. Railway’s (LCDR) London extension. some date back to the 17th Century. The site of 32 – 42 High Street was Many original features remain, Make your way off the Green on to occupied by St George’s Church Hall. including parts of the station building Leave the churchyard through the the High Street. The rebuilt hall is now located in and frontage on to Rectory Road. gate on to St George’s Road, turn Albemarle Road. The most dramatic right and head towards its junction Of particular historic value is the change to this area has been to with Bromley Road. footbridge across platforms 2 and 3. the site of 44 – 46 High Street. The Leave the station by the exit on original building facing the High platform 2 and walk south out of Street was a retail unit forming the the station car park. You will have eastern side of Beckenham Town Beckenham station on your Hall demolished in the 1990s now a right. Beckenham High Street is to Marks and Spencer food store. your left. Cross this main junction and head towards Beckenham Green directly in front, the distinctive Town Staying on Beckenham Green side Sign on The Green points the way. of the High Street, you can enter St George’s churchyard by walking through a small pedestrian gate.

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5 Bromley Road Infant 6 The Rawlins 8 St George’s church School almshouses � and

St George’s Church and its Lychgate are Grade II Listed. The church is referred to locally as the ‘Cathedral of North West Kent’. If you have the time, it is worth taking a break from your walk to visit inside this church.

It was originally built in the 12th associated with local governance. The century and survived as a ‘village Old Manor House area was altered church’ until it was rebuilt 1885 – These cottages are the Grade II Listed to form the offices of the Beckenham 1887 as a ‘town church’, by local 17th Century Rawlins Almshouses. Local Board, which later developed architect W. Gibbs Bartlett in ragstone Look above the centre doorway for into the Urban District Council. It and ashlar dressing. The pinnacled the tablet inscribed: remained as Council offices until 1932 southwest tower is a focal point of when the local authority moved to the High Street and was completed “Anthony Rawlins Esq built these a purpose built Town Hall in Church in 1902 sitting as it does atop ‘Church Bromley Road Infant School on your Houses for ye use of ye poor of this Avenue on the site of the former Hill’. left was originally built in 1816 as the Parish of Beckenham Anno Dom. village Rectory. Following further Bromley Road Schools and extended 1694”. substantial alterations in recent times, The Lychgate is reputed to be the in 1906. Two of the main features to there is thought to be little, if any oldest in the country dating back point out are the copper clad roof Internally they have been refurbished material remaining from the pre – to the 13th century. Tom William vent where the copper has oxidised to modern standards. 1881 Manor House except the façade Thornton (see Stop 11 below) and is bright green in colour and the of No. 2 Bromley Road. obtained permission to have it plaques at roof level on the Bromley 7 The Old manor and restored at his own expense in 1924 in Road elevation. 7 Development of Local memory of his two sons who Government died in World War I. There Turn around to face the High Street. are two plaques on either At the junction of Bromley Road and The buildings on the opposite side of side of the central roof beam. St George’s Road area. Bromley Road are of great historical One plaque notes the two significance occupying the site of the young soldiers and the other Old Manor. Located in the centre of plaque commemorates the the village, it is probable that this is refurbishment of the gate. one of oldest continuously occupied The gate is surrounded by sites in Beckenham. some particularly fine yew trees. The Listed Public Hall stands on the site of the earliest wing of the former Cross Bromley Road and head Old Manor House. This whole area is south on to the High Street.

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9 milestone 10 Old Police Station 11 Thornton’s corner park is directly in front of you marked and surrounds out by the hedge and iron gates. This The corner of Bromley Road and 1884 saw the construction of the park was originally the gardens of the High Street outside the bank is former police station to your left. Kelsey Manor, another of Beckenham’s marked by an ancient milestone. The Many of its orginal features still large mansions and was purchased by stone was originally located on the remain including signage and the Beckenham District Council in 1913 opposite corner. It was repaired and large yard to the rear with gated for the people of Beckenham. If you placed here after being damaged entrance at the side. When built, have the time, do make a detour to in a traffic accident. It carries the wander around this delightful park, following inscription: It completed with its lovely lakes and waterfalls or the return later for a special visit to enjoy “London Bridge, transformation its beauty and tranquillity. Miles X 2 of the former As you stand at the ornamental furlongs. One Manor site gardens, the view up the High Street Walking further along the left hand mile and half to into a group of to St George’s Church affords a very side of the High Street, the next . 19th Century pleasant prospect of the Victorian significant location is the Christ Market public and High Street. This section of the High Church complex of buildings. Place miles IV 6 administrative Street was a tree lined lane before the furlongs Through buildings. middle of the 19th Century, known as the Town”. Passing the Church Hill. 12 christ church Bromley Market former police station and down the Place miles I, 5 steps, you are now leaving the St Opposite the ornamental gardens, furlongs, the left hand road Wickham George’s conservation area. the corner parade of shops (Nos. to the Swan miles II, 4 furlongs, the 100 to 110 High Street) is known as right hand road Take time to look across the street at Thornton’s Corner. Its name honours a the buildings opposite, particularly prominent local family, the Thorntons, It was erected in 1713 and restored in the upper floors. You will notice who owned the large stationers shop 1817, 1887 and 1976. the fine brick detailing and window and library which occupied this corner designs. for over 70 years. They were also the You have now entered the area owners of the former Beckenham known as Church Hill. You need to Keep walking to the bottom of the Journal newspaper. There is a plaque walk down the hill, over this elevated hill to the traffic light junction of the at first floor level of the parade section of pavement, where you will High Street, Manor Road and Kelsey noting the role of the Thornton family This church’s main building and come to stone stairs. If you have Park Road. You should make your way in Beckenham life. The plaque also related halls is located off the High mobility issues, you should cross over to the ornamental gardens diagonally celebrates the first British Post Office Street in Fairfield Road. at the traffic lights at the junction of opposite where there is another Town for air mail in 1902. High Street and Bromley Road to the Sign. The foundation stone of the church opposite side of the High Street. Turning to face the ornamental was laid on 3 April 1875 and the site gardens, the road to your left is was consecrated in May 1876. During Kelsey Park Road which leads to an World War I Christ Church halls were important local park, Kelsey Park. The used as a military hospital.

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On 5 January 1945, a flying bomb fell of the past is ‘Ye Old George Inn’. A 15 Old Fire Station � 16 Zizzi Restaurant on the community of Lea Road and Grade II Listed building, this fine brick Burnhill Road, killing twelve, making and weatherboard inn has seen few many homeless, and causing damage major external changes. The Inn is The site of Zizzi restaurant was the to the Church. Exactly five years later thought to date from the 1600s. Three Tuns Inn. This is an attractive on 5 January 1950 the restoration of half timbered public house which was the church was completed. Keep walking along the left hand side built in 1902. of the High Street. In 2001 Christ Church celebrated 125 The pub has a history as a local years of serving the community. music venue in the 1960s and 1970s. 14 kelsey Square Keep walking along the left hand side conservation area Famously David Bowie performed at of the High Street. the pub in 1975. A plaque on the wall commemorates this event. The George Inn 13 As you walk further down the High Street away from the Kelsey Square The period of Conservation Area you will notice that greatest the style and feel of the High Street growth and changes, the Victorian and Edwardian change in buildings start to give way to 1920s Beckenham, and 1930s styles and you come to from 1860 to Village Way. Facing the High Street on the entrance 1939, has Kelsey Square is an intimate group to Burnhill Road, the building fronting radically of Listed red brick ornamental Kelsey the High Street, number 153, is altered this estate workers cottages, located on a Beckenham’s Old Fire Station, the section of the prominent corner of the High Street. upper floors of which housed the High Street. Originally constructed for Peter Hoare Offices of the local Board, before it Old photographs show the road of Kelsey Manor, it also formed the moved to the Old Manor site. Note lined with timber framed and setting for the principle entrance to the 19th Century water pump on the weatherboarded houses, typical of a the mansion, Kelsey Manor, and a corner, the water would have gushed Kentish village. With one exception, lodge is recorded here from 1840. from a spout set in the lion’s mouth. these have all been replaced with Kelsey Lodge, distinct from the smaller You will also notice the recently added newer buildings. The only reminder cottages, is thought to have been plaque installed by Copers Cope Area constructed in 1864. Residents’ Association. To your left on The proprietor the High Street, the new housing of The George with his To the south in Burnhill Road, another development next to the Old Fire customers show Grade II Listed building is the 18th Station contained a cottage off the old jug, Century Coach and Horses Inn with (demolished in 1936) that was the late 1880s stables behind. town’s Police Station until 1885, when the police also moved to the Old Walk back into the High Street Manor site which we saw earlier.

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17 St edmund of canterbury � the “Ancient Lights” sign. (It’s located emblazoned with St George and the 21 225 – 231 high Street Roman � at first floor level on the eastern flank Dragon in high relief. This landmark is wall). This sign refers to ancient light Grade II Listed and was designed by This is a striking rights under English Common Law to Newbury A Trent, English sculptor. 1930s building with landowners, where owners of its massive tower adjoining land cannot obscure these The Memorial becomes the focus of and adjoining Parish rights for example by erecting a Remembrance Day, led by the British house close to the building too close. Legion with the community groups junction of the High gathering at the War Memorial in Street. Standing Continuing along the High Street November each year. outside the main heading west, at footpath level, you entrance you will will notice the inscription at the base 20 cinema see between each of pilasters at Nos. 187 – 189. These door and the window a stone fascia with refer to the sons of the famous Burton relief carvings, the central one depicting the tailor. St Edmund of Canterbury’s tomb. You are now coming to the end of Back on to the High Street, you will the High Street. Before you leave the see the Art Deco 1920/ 30s style town centre, you should see Dean’s A set of buildings of interest are 225 parades, paricularly when you look at Garage just around the corner at – 231 High Street. You can see that the upper levels of the buildings on No. 439 Croydon Road. Whilst the the building has a modern shopfront north side. occupiers and use have changed a to the ground floor; it is the upper little, the original shop front still floors which are of interest. These remains. Daylight and Views upper floors are in red brick with blue 18 engineering brick diaper work 19 War memorial Still used as a cinema, this building decoration and banding. The detailing was formerly the Regal Cinema and is very similar, not only to the You are now at the Ballroom which opened in 1930 and buildings in Kelsey Square but also to end of the High Street contained a café and restaurant. the former Kelsey Park Farm and and should walk With its Art Deco design, this striking Beckenham Hospital façade in around the building along with the War Memorial Croydon Road. This ‘house style’ roundabout which is outside physically mark the start of suggests the work of the same marked by High Street and the commercial centre architect/ builder and possibly has Beckenham’s War of Beckenham distinguishing it from some link to the owner of the entire Memorial. The the more residential areas of housing. road – Peter Hoare of Kelsey Manor. The High Street and this part of memorial is of Beckenham is intermingled with more Portland stone and is As you walk on this north side Walking back up the High Street you modern buildings, such as the located within its own pavement of the High Street you now have a choice of completing your Sainsbury’s supermarket which is set garden. The memorial have the opportunity to look across walk either by taking a detour along back from the High Street. Walking is 7.5 metres in height, taking the the street to the following point of The Drive and Church Avenue or into this square, see if you can spot form of a stylised Celtic cross interest. remaining in the High Street.

12 13 A wAlk Around Beckenham Route map 22 The Drive and church 23 The high Street � avenue The Beckenham trail

The first left hand turn along the High Street is The Drive. This is a typical quiet residential road in Beckenham. Famous people who lived in The Drive include the partly blind Dai Davies who was awarded the Albert Medal for stopping a bank robbery; the composers Carey Blyton; Enid’s brother - Hanly Blyton; Dr Wesley Carr – Dean of Abbey; and Arthur Carr – Chief of Staff of the Salvation Army. Nos. 162 – 166 High Street was Part way along this road you will originally built as a J Sainsbury Store come to a bridge over the River Beck. in 1906. You will also note that ground The river runs mainly in a culvert, but floor shop fronts follow the bend in between Nos. 73 and 75 The Drive you the road but the upper floors are set can see its progress as it flows from back slightly to avoid having to do so. Kelsey Park. The High Street is a busy thoroughfare Take a right hand turn into Church and in places narrow. This means Avenue. Walking along this road will that as you have walked down one take you past a car park. This was the side of the street, you have missed site of the former Beckenham Town opportunities to consider views across Hall demolished in 1990s. Turning left the road. Following this route means at the traffic lights you will be lead you can pop into the variety of shops back to Beckenham Junction Station. and places to eat and drink.

If you decide not to divert, but Retrace your steps along the High keeping along the High Street there Street to return to Beckenham are a number of places of interest. Junction Station.

15 route mAp of stopping points on the BeckenhAm heritAge trAil

1 Beckenham Junction Station � d

1 a

2 Beckenham Green Ro Beckenham N

R d ec n 3 St George’s conservation area to Junction ry e Roa h

t 200 ft 4 St George’s church churchyard B d lakeney Road u 50 m o 5 Bromley Road Infant School S Alb 6 The Rawlins almshouses emarle Road 2

t Beckenham 7 The Old manor and Development of Local Government n

ce Green

s

e d Car 8 St George’s church and Lychgate r a Park C o R e 3 C Car 3 h h 4 ’s 9 milestone u Park rc T h ge Ave r o

n t 10 Old Police Station ue e Ge 8 22 e r 6 St 11 Thornton’s corner and surrounds t S

d h B 9 r 5 g o 12 christ church m Hi le 7 y R 13 The George Inn ry Roa oa o d t 10 c 14 kelsey Square conservation area e R 23 e Old Fire Station v 15 i B reet e Dr gh St M c Hi an ken or R 16 Zizzi Restaurant ha oa m he d R T 11 d K e 17 St edmund of canterbury Roman catholic church l s 20 12 ey

ad

o 13 P

R 18 Daylight and Views 19 a

d r d l k H e R ig i R War memorial 21 h S f o 19 tr r on eet Car a d Car d y Park Fai Park 20 cinema ro 15 C y d a Roa 18 16 14 Burnhill 21 225 – 231 high Street W Kelsey 17 ge a l Square The Drive and church avenue l Kelsey 22 i

V Park 23 The high Street

16 17 For more information on this Trail visit www.bromley.gov.uk/beckenhamheritage

Special Thanks to David Wood for text and update photographs – The Beckenham Society Cliff Watkins for route and some text Ian Muir for old images of Beckenham – Beckenham History The Beckenham Society members of: The Beckenham Society Copers Cope Area Residents Association www.coperscope.org.uk West Beckenham Residents Association www.westbeckenhamra.org Beckenham Business Association www.beckenhambusinessassociation.co.uk Valerie Sheldon – Granddaughter of Tom William Thornton main Sources The Railways of Beckenham by Andrew Hajducki. The Ardgour Press in association with Noodle Books. 2011 Beckenham. by Eric R. Inman and Nancy Tonkin. Phillimore and Co. Ltd. 1993 The Story of Beckenham Green. by Pat Manning and Cliff Watkins. Jenna Publishing. 2009 The Cators of Beckenham and Woodbastwick. by Pat Manning . Authors Online. 2008 Beckenham History Website www.beckenhamhistory.co.uk Christ Church Beckenham www.christchurchbeckenham.org.uk St Edmunds Church Beckenham www.st-edmunds-church.org.uk St Georges Church www.stgeorgesbeckenham.co.uk

Other websites of interest www.fokp.org/home.html (Friends of Kelsey Park) www.civicvoice.org.uk/societies/beckenham-civic-society www.beckenhamtown.us/events/beckenham-civic-society www.sites.google.com/site/centralbeckenhamra/home