Have you ever heard of a place called Crook Log? It might sound like something out of a fairytale, but it’s a real place in southeast London. Yes, right here, just a short walk from Bexleyheath.
Crook Log is a little-known locality but it’s brimming with history stretching back to the 17th century. The name itself is a bit of a mystery, with stories ranging from a crooked log used for ship-building to tales of highwaymen.
One thing’s for sure, the Crooked Log Inn has been a fixture here since at least 1808. Picture this: A rustic pub, nestled on the edge of Watling Street, a historic Roman road that once connected London to Dover. The pub was a welcoming spot for travellers, weary from their journeys.
But the Crook Log isn’t just about the pub. It also boasts a leisure centre, a primary school, and a theatre, all named after the intriguing name of the place.
In 2005, Crook Log became even more lively when the leisure centre was expanded, complete with an eight-lane swimming pool. Queen Elizabeth II even came to open the new centre, a testament to its importance in the local community.
So, as you stand here, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern-day London, imagine the past, the stories of travellers, and the echoes of history. The Crook Log may be a small place, but it hides a world of stories just waiting to be discovered.