Keston

1:06pm Wednesday 20th June 2007

Keston is a picturesque country village in the borough of Bromley, just a short distance from Biggin Hill.

The village's history can be traced back to Roman times, and Julius Caesar is believed to have visited in 55BC and then returned the following year with 30,000 men.

At Holwood Hill near Keston are remains of a large encampment known as Caesar's Camp. Other Roman remains have been found around Keston.

The stone' part of Keston's name is thought to come from a boundary stone or mark. The first part may derive from the Saxon name Cyssi or Cysses. Keston is listed in the Doomsday book as Cheston.

In the 18th century Holwood became a meeting place for political heads of the time. William Pitt the younger bought the 125-acre Holwood Estate in 1784. He built a manor house, Holwood House, and destroyed most of the Roman camp.

It is believed to have been here that William Wilberforce first discussed the abolition of the slave trade with his close friend Pitt, the then prime minister of England, in 1788.

Keston windmill was built in 1716 and still stands on the edge of Keston Common overlooking the vale of Keston. Close by the mill are the Keston Ponds - one natural and two man-made. The spring which feeds the ponds is known as Caesar's Well and may be what first attracted the Romans to build a settlement close by.

The ponds are a popular fishing spot, while the common and surrounding area offer superb scenery for countryside walks.

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