A tour of Victorian Bromley where HG Wells grew up

HG Wells (Bertie) describes the sights and buildings he knew as a child.

[marleneodriscoll]

I remember My mum and Dad telling me about standing on Martins Hill and watched the Cristal palace burn down when they were walking out together.

[Behappyalways]

I remember having such good time at the white heart hotel .
Wedding reception’s were held there for my brothers.
I enjoyed the jazz club held every week.
Out side was a stall selling vegetables and fruit.

[rodpettet]

I remember my mother ttaking me along College Slip in what would have been the late 1940s. My grandmother had a newspaper shop on the high street somewhat opposite the now demolished library. She also had another (Nortons) just off Rodway Road heading towards the town centre.

It was a great shame to see how much of this historic town was lost due to poorly designed redevelopment.

[brianneale]

I Lived in Hayes, Kent, Near to Bromley for around 20 years before moving to Belgium where I have lived for around 40 years.

[andrewmawson]

A fascinating insight into an aspect of Bromley which I was only vaguely aware, where I lived for several years. Particularly interesting to see Bromley College, where my Mother lived for many years until her death, as my Father was in Holy Orders. I well remember the National School (Parish School) where my children received some of their education. Also I remember my horror when Love Lane was removed to my way for the new road - progress !

[karla]

Fascinating.... Thank you for this.. Yes do produce some more of these.. Maybe the hist of other localities.. West Wickham, Coney Hall..

[carolinekelly]

Hello, thank you for sharing your history. I like what I see!

[carolinekelly]

Hello, thank you for the Bromley history.

[GMT]

Proof of all Historic Claims are Required.

[scrollop]

This is terrific. Kudos to your hard work. Thank you for bringing Bromley's History alive and helping save it. You should write a book! Are thre any boos of Bromley's history that you'd recommend? Is there a local bookshop that you'd recommend purchasing the books from rather than amazon? The photographs are fascinating. You're success in continuing the tradition of ensuring the oral history of Bromley stays alive is well appreciated, thank you. Please do more if possible!

[caravanstuff]

Brilliant effort...Bromley is ripe for "gentrification" in the next decade or so...let's hope so...or the history of this wonderful place will be lost for ever...I'd rather live near a "country estate: than a "council estate"!!!.🤔🇬🇧🇬🇧

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[nigelcarren]

I shall gorge upon this digital feast with gay abandon... One the days toil is done!
Also, magnificent hat Sir! 🏆🇬🇧
Best wishes from an Englishman in a French forest.

[bromleycivicsociety]

You can donate via the following link:

[concernedcitizen]

Brilliant except that David Bowie is Bromley's most famous son 😂