To give you an idea of what sort of events we organise and host, here is a collection of what we previously have been up to.
2025
Talk: Penge’s Local Council – April 2025
An evening a two talks by group members Simon Jeal and Paul Newton focused on the history, function, and significance of Penge’s local council. This event was part of the ‘Remember Penge in the 1960s’ program celebrating the 60th anniversary of Bromley Borough.
Talk: Is Penge Welsh? – March 2025
A talk by group member Martin Spence, who has been researching the origins of local place names in South London. He spoke about place names’ value as historical evidence, and in particular asking the question – “Is Penge Welsh?”
Talk: Restoring Mrs Maple’s Fountain – February 2025
We met at the Penge East Community Centre to hear about Mrs. Maple’s Fountain. The Fountain dates from the late nineteenth century, stands in Penge Recreation Ground, was once an impressive and popular public amenity, but now is in a sorry state.
Councillor Kathy Bance, group member Sharon O’Donoghue told us about its history and the campaign to restore it.
2024
Talk: The Art & Science of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs – December 2024
Group member Dr. Ellinor Michel spoke about ‘The Art & Science of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs’ including the history of the sculptures, and work being done by the Friends of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs.
Visit: The Houses of Parliament – November 2024
Members of the group were invited to attend a historical tour of the Palace of Westminster by local MP Liam Conlon.
Talk: How to Publish a History Book – November 2024
Group member Jo Crispin gave a talk on ‘How to Publish a History Book’, covering the process, challenges, and tips for getting local or broader historical works published. Jo is a commissioning editor of non-fiction books, specialising in history.
Talk: Anerley Hill: An Amazing 200 Year History – October 2024
Anerley Hill forms just 350 yards of the busy A214, that runs from Wandsworth to West Wickham, but it has a surprisingly varied and interesting history. Its existence was initiated by the 1827 Penge Common Enclosure Act.
Group member John Prideaux, a lifelong Anerley Hill resident, shared his research into its 200-year history and what existed prior to its construction.
Walk: Hidden Treasures of Penge – June 2024
A guided walk around architectural quirks, oddities and chance survivals which shed new light on the rich history of Penge hosted by several members of our group. Part of the annual London Festival of Architecture.
Talk: The London and Croydon Railway – April 2024
Group member John Prideaux gave a talk on the railway, the second passenger railway in London, from its inception to opening.
Talk: Historical Aspects of Crystal Palace Park – March 2024
An evening of three talks presented by group members Martin Spence, Leah Demetriou, and Andrea Clayton Vail each focussing on a particular aspect of the history of the Park. Martin spoke on ‘How The Railways Created The Crystal Palace’, Leah shared some ‘Dinosaur Disagreements’, and Andrea shared ‘The Park’s War Effort’.
Group member Simon Jeal wrote a summary of this event here.
2023
Visit: The London Archives – November 2023
Our group visited the London Archives in Farringdon for an informational tour on how to best use the archives to help in historic research.
Visit: Bromley Local Studies Library and Archives – August 2023
Group members joined Bromley archivists to learn about what resources are available for researching our local history.