This site explores the history of Bromley Common on the outskirts of London.

Until the common was enclosed in 1821, the area was mostly undeveloped; no houses, no agriculture, no industry.

In Victorian times, it became the home of both poor and powerful people; it even had its own brewery.

Today, Bromley Common is a typical suburban village; a small part of the London Borough of Bromley.

My particular interest is in the histories of the local schools.  Their stories give an insight into the education of the rich, the middle classes and the poor of England between the year Victoria came to the throne and the present day. 

There are lots of photographs, maps, adverts, reminiscences, drawings and plans to flesh out the text so click on the yellow blob on the right to take a look.

Bromley Common circa 1780.
Click on the map for a larger image and more information.

This site was last updated on 29 Jun 2009.