Bromley

The town, which is the centrepiece of London's largest borough, is a busy urban area but is just a short distance from lovely countryside and woodlands. London's West End is less than 12 miles from the centre of Bromley.

Bromley came into being in 862 when Ethelbert, King of Kent, made a grant of land to form a manor 'in the wood where the broom grows' - a literal translation of its name.

The manor passed into the hands of the Bishops of Rochester early in the 10th century, and was held by them until as late as 1845.

Bromley Palace was constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, rebuilt in 1775, and still stands today as one of the town's most distinguished buildings.

In 1205, Bromley was granted a charter to hold a Tuesday market; this was revised in 1447 to allow for a Thursday market and two annual fairs.

The fairs were last celebrated in 1862, but the market continues to thrive as an integral part of the town's community life.

Bromley was much changed during the first half of the 20th century, partly as a result of development and later due to damage sustained through bombing in the Second World War.

In the 1930s, several buildings in the town centre were demolished to make way for retail facilities and road widening. These included HG Wells's birthplace at 47 High Street, a site now marked by a commemorative plaque.

These days Bromley is a thriving shopping centre. The Glades mall, featuring more than 130 retailers, is the showpiece of the town centre, but there are plenty more stores along the pedestrianised High Street to keep shopaholics happy.

Bromley is also an entertainment centre, with many famous names appearing at the Churchill Theatre.