TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON
BEXLEYHEATH
BEXLEYHEATH MAY NOT BE THE FIRST PLACE YOU THINK OF WHEN IT
COMES TO KENTISH TOWNS, BUT IT DOESN’T DESERVE TO BE WRITTEN OFF
– ALTHOUGH IT’S VERY CLOSE TO LONDON, IT IS KENTISH THROUGH AND
THROUGH. IT’S DIVERSE, EXCITING AND FASCINATING IN TERMS OF HISTORY
AND ARCHITECTURE, PLUS IT IS GROWING AT AN ASTONISHING RATE.
BEXLEYHEATH IS A PART OF KENT TO BE PROUD OF.
DANSON HOUSE
History in Brief Things to Do
Compared to some areas of the county, Bexleyheath is a fairly new addition
to the map and really came to life in the 19th century. Before that, there
was a windmill, a few buildings and a lot of scrubland, hence the word
‘heath’ included in the name of the town. Danson House
This Georgian villa has been completely restored and is now open to the public. It is
light and airy, full of splendour, and it tells the story of how this house was once used
almost entirely for the wealthy to entertain themselves. Bexley Heritage have worked
hard to ensure that this is a fascinating place to visit when in Bexleyheath.
In 1766, Sir John Boyd began the regeneration of the area when he had
Danson House built, although it was another 50 years before any other
major building schemes took place, which was mainly due to the area
being part of the Enclosure Act of 1814 which determined that common
land – Bexley’s heath in this case – literally became enclosed and could
be built upon.
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Broadway Shopping Centre
Broadway Shopping Centre is the largest covered shopping centre in the London
Borough of Bexley incorporating 60 stores. Thanks to its central location, 1200 parking
spaces, and its close proximity to public transport links, it’s a destination where locals
and visitors flock for shopping. With so much choice when it comes to shops, you’ll be
browsing (and buying) all day.