Chislehurst (From News Shopper)

Chislehurst

1:45pm Wednesday 20th June 2007 in

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Chislehurst is a bustling town in the borough of Bromley.

The name meaning the wood where the ground is gravely', Chislehurst was first mentioned in a charter of 973.

Cyselhyerst, as it was called, was part of the royal manor of Dartford until Sir Thomas Walsingham of Scadbury Manor bought it in 1611.

The village became popular with Londoners looking for property in the country and the town's growth was speeded up by both the arrival of the railway in the 1860s and the presence of the exiled French Emperor Napoleon III at Camden Place (now Chislehurst Golf Club).

The common was popular with city workers and businessmen. Today the common has still not been fully developed and its ponds and wildlife attract many visitors during the summer months.

Most of Chislehurst's development took place during the Victorian era. New development since has mainly centred on replacing the Victorian houses with modern accommodation rather than expansion. Chislehurst manages to retain some of its once rural character.

Chislehurst is conveniently located within close proximity to both the capital and the peace of the countryside.

The town's shopping centre is mainly made up of local independent retailers, though there are also national chains such as Sainsbury's.

The underground labyrinth of Chislehurst Caves is a popular attraction.