Bexley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bexley |
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 Bexley High Street |
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 Bexley
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| OS grid reference | TQ465755 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BEXLEY |
| Postcode district | DA5 |
| Dialling code | 020 01322 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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Bexley is a lovely area in south-east Greater London, England. It is part of the London Borough of Bexley. People sometimes call it Bexley Village or Old Bexley to show it is different from the bigger borough. It is about 13 miles (21 km) east of central London.
Bexley used to be a small parish in the county of Kent. As London grew, Bexley became more populated. It became a 'municipal borough' in 1935 and joined Greater London in 1965.
Contents
Discovering Bexley's Past
Bexley has a long history. It was once an ancient parish in Kent. Over time, it became part of the Bexley Urban District in 1894. This area grew and became a 'municipal borough' in 1935.
In 1965, a big change happened. The London County Council was replaced by the Greater London Council. This new council covered a much larger area. Bexley joined with other nearby areas like Erith and Crayford. Together, they formed the new London Borough of Bexley.
Exploring Bexley's Landmarks
St. Mary's Church: A Historic Spire
Bexley's main landmark is the Anglican church of St. Mary. This church gives its name to the local area. Its most unique feature is its spire. It looks like an octagon on top of a pyramid!
The church was first built in the Middle Ages. Its old-fashioned interior stayed the same until the 1700s. It was then updated in Victorian times. A famous scientist named Henry Oldenburg was buried here in 1677.
Hall Place: A House of Two Halves
Hall Place is a grand old house next to the River Cray. It is located north of Bexley. This house is very unusual because its two halves are built in completely different styles!
Today, the London Borough of Bexley owns Hall Place and its grounds. It is open to the public to explore. The gardens have amazing topiary displays. These are bushes shaped into traditional animal figures. Several walking paths, like the "London LOOP" walk, pass by Hall Place.
Danson Park: Green Space and History
Danson House and the large Danson Park are in Welling, near Bexley. They are very popular places for people to visit. The Shaw family, who were famous architects in the 1800s, came from Bexley. John Shaw Sr. designed many buildings and was one of the first to create semi-detached houses in London. He is buried at St. Mary's Church.
Places to Worship
Bexley has several places of worship for different faiths:
- St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bexley
- Albany Park Baptist Church, Stansted Crescent
- St. Augustine's Church, Slade Green Road
- St. John the Evangelist, Parkhill Road
- Strict Baptist Chapel, Bourne Road
- United Reformed Church, Hurst Road
- Our Lady of Angels Church, Bexley Road
- St. Paulinus Church, Bexley
Getting Around Bexley
Bexley railway station helps people travel around. You can catch trains to London Charing Cross and Gravesend. Bexley also has many Transport for London bus services. These buses connect Bexley to places like Bexleyheath, Bromley, Dartford, and North Greenwich.
Sports and Community
Bexley is home to several sports clubs:
- The Old Dartfordians' War Memorial clubhouse on Bourne Road is home to both Dartfordians' Rugby Club and Dartfordians' Cricket Club.
- Bexley Cricket Club is located on Manor Way.
- Burnt Ash (Bexley) Hockey Club also plays their home matches at Manor Way or at local schools.
Bexley's International Friends
Bexley has special connections with towns in other countries. These are called 'twin towns' or 'sister cities'.
