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A profile of towns and villages across News Shopper's region covering south east London and north Kent.

It is easy to forget the leafy suburb of Beckenham is so close to the capital.

Beckenham has great transport links to London, but is also within easy reach of the countryside.

The town of Beckenham dates back to Saxon times, though Iron Age and Roman remains have also been found.

The name Beckenham is thought to mean Beohha's Village', Beohha being a Saxon leader. The village is also recorded in the Doomsday book of 1086.

Over the years Beckenham developed into a significant village administered from the Manor House opposite the church.

In 1773 John Cator became Lord of the Manor.

When the railway arrived from London in 1857 the Cators realised their estate was ripe for residential development and soon suburban villas were spreading out from the new station.

Many old buildings still remain in Beckenham. The most notable of these is the 14th century St Georges Church with its 13th century lychgate - the oldest in England.

The grand Beckenham Place and Copers Cope House were both built in the 17th century and still stand today, as do a host of other Victorian and Georgian structures.

Beckenham's town centre is a mix of 1940-60s and period buildings - some more than 200-300 years old. The suburb is notable for its attractive wide tree-lined streets.

Shopping in Beckenham is a mix of high street chain stores and other independent specialist shops. Beckenham can also boast a wide range of restaurants and bars.

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