Biggin Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Biggin Hill |
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 Polesteeple Hill, Biggin Hill |
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 Biggin Hill
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| Population | 10,817 |
| OS grid reference | TQ418590 |
| • Charing Cross | 15.2 mi (24.5 km) NNW |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WESTERHAM |
| Postcode district | TN16 |
| Dialling code | 01959 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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Biggin Hill is a town located in the London Borough of Bromley. It is about 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) southeast of Charing Cross, a central point in London. The town is separated from London's main built-up area by a green belt of land. It sits right on the edge of Greater London, next to the counties of Kent and Surrey.
Before 1965, Biggin Hill was actually part of Kent. In the 2011 Census, the town had a population of 9,951 people. Biggin Hill is also one of the highest places in Greater London, reaching over 210 meters (689 feet) above sea level. The famous Biggin Hill Airport is here. This airport uses land that was once RAF Biggin Hill, a very important air base during World War II. It helped protect London from enemy planes during the Battle of Britain and The Blitz.
Contents
Discovering Biggin Hill
Biggin Hill is a place with a rich past and an important airport. Let's explore what makes this town special.
A Glimpse into History
Biggin Hill has an interesting story, especially how its name and local government have changed over time.
How Biggin Hill Got Its Name
In the past, this settlement was known by a different name: Aperfield. Over time, it became known as Biggin Hill.
Local Government Changes Over Time
Biggin Hill was originally part of Cudham, an old parish in Kent. Later, it became part of the Bromley Rural District in 1894. In 1934, it joined the Orpington Urban District.
A big change happened in 1965. The London County Council was replaced by the Greater London Council. This expanded the administrative area of London. Because of this, Biggin Hill became part of the London Borough of Bromley. Today, Biggin Hill is represented by the Biggin Hill ward for local elections.
Important Buildings
One of the most interesting buildings in Biggin Hill is St Mark's Church on Church Road. It's often called 'the moving church'. This church was built in the 1950s using materials from another church, All Saints Church in North Peckham, which was taken apart. Many volunteers helped build it, led by Rev Vivian Symons. He even did much of the decorative work himself.
Biggin Hill Airport: A Historic Hub
Biggin Hill is well-known for its airport, London Biggin Hill Airport. It's more than just a place for planes to land; it has a terminal and customs facilities.
The Airport's Role in World War II
The airport uses much of the land that was once RAF Biggin Hill. This military airfield was incredibly important during World War II. It played a key role in the Battle of Britain, defending London from German bombers. Later, during Operation Crossbow, the airfield's "Operations Room" helped defend against V-1 flying bomb attacks. Stories are sometimes told about the airport, linked to its wartime past.
Biggin Hill Airport Today
Today, a small part of the old RAF base is still cared for by the RAF. The historic chapel, which is a listed building, is open to visitors. It is guarded by replica statues of famous wartime planes, a Hawker Hurricane and a Supermarine Spitfire.
The airport now hosts many private and business jets. These can be as large as a Boeing 737. The airport has been improved and expanded in the 21st century. In 2020, there were plans for further expansion. There is also a site for large model aircraft within the airport's air traffic zone.
Fun Facts About the Airport
For many years, the airport hosted the Biggin Hill International Air Fair. This was an annual airshow that started in 1963. The airshow was very popular but was permanently cancelled in 2010 after 48 events. The airport also appeared in the 2006 film "The Da Vinci Code", starring Tom Hanks.
Learning in Biggin Hill
Education is important in Biggin Hill, with several schools serving the community.
Charles Darwin School is a secondary school located close to the town center. There are also two main primary schools: Oaklands Primary School and Biggin Hill Primary School. Other primary schools nearby include Cudham CoE Primary School, Tatsfield Primary, and Downe Primary.
Who Lives in Biggin Hill?
The Biggin Hill area is represented by its own electoral ward. According to the 2011 UK census, this ward had a population of 9,951 people. The population density was about 12 people per hectare. The census also showed that most residents (93%) were White British. The average age of the population was 42 years old. The most common type of home in Biggin Hill was a detached house or bungalow.
Where is Biggin Hill Located?
Biggin Hill is situated on the edge of the London Borough of Bromley.
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New Addington | Leaves Green | Downe | |
| Biggin Hill Valley |  |
Berry's Green & Cudham | ||
 Biggin Hill  |
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| Tatsfield | Tatsfield East | Aperfield |
The A233 road is the main road that goes through the area from north to south. Most of the places surrounding Biggin Hill are smaller towns and villages. Biggin Hill's postcode is TN16. Its post town is Westerham, even though Westerham is outside Greater London.
Getting Around Biggin Hill
Biggin Hill is part of the Transport for London network. This means it has several London Buses services. There is also one route operated by Metrobus. These buses connect Biggin Hill to many nearby places. These include Bromley, Keston, Hayes, Westerham, Downham, Catford, Oxted, Locksbottom, New Addington, Tatsfield, Orpington and Green Street Green.
The closest National Rail train stations are Hayes station (about 8 kilometers or 5 miles away), Oxted station in Surrey, Bromley South station, and Orpington station. For tram services, the nearest Tramlink stop is New Addington, which is about 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) away.
See also
In Spanish: Biggin Hill para niños
- 2008 Biggin Hill Cessna Citation crash
