Bexleyheath

There are two areas covering Bexleyheath (North & South), but as Bexleyheath South is without a representative at present they are being treated as one.

Bexleyheath is the middle of the Borough and, as such, is now the administrative centre of Bexley. The Society, when setting up the areas (so that the Borough could be adequately monitored), split Bexleyheath in half with the Broadway being the dividing line.

We are talking of a fairly typical London suburban area, with very few open spaces, only one conservation area (Red House Lane) and a few historic buildings.

The jewel in the crown must be Red House - built in the mid 19th Century for William Morris by Philip Webb. Bexley­heath also boasts a fine Victorian Parish Church (Christ Church) which occupies a prime position in the centre of The Broadway. Its vicarage is a listed building which occupies a pleasant site to the north of the church.

Most of the larger open spaces are around the many schools. However, they are being gradually reduced. A recent attempt by the Society to have Uplands School on Church Road listed - a fine late 19th Century building - was turned down, and it seems that Bexleyheath will lose another landmark as it is scheduled for demolition.

The centre of the town has been radically changed over the last 50 years and bears no resemblance to the early Bexleyheath many of the residents remember - some might say not for the better! It has become the nightlife centre for the Borough (and parts outside the Borough). This has brought problems of a kind not normally associated with London’s dormitories, as these areas were once described.

Article prepared by Jean Davis, Area Representative, Bexleyheath North

New Area Representative for Bexleyheath South is Edna Clewes

Bexley Civic Society