Bromley Palace

Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within the walls of Bromley Palace? It’s a grand manor house, standing proudly in the London Borough of Bromley. This building was once the grand home of the Bishops of Rochester, a powerful position in the church, from the 12th century to 1845. It’s a Grade II listed building, meaning it’s a building that should be protected from getting demolished. But Bromley Palace is more than just a pretty face; it has a rich history that stretches back centuries. Imagine walking into the heart of this palace, seeing the stone walls that have witnessed kings and queens, bishops and scholars. Back in the 8th century, the land was granted to Eardwulf, Bishop of Rochester, by Athelbert II of Kent. Talk about a generous King. In the 1100s, the Bishops of Rochester decided to build a manor house on this land. They had a vision: to create a palace that reflected their power and importance. The surrounding land was described as poor, with little arable land or pasture. But even with the land being less than ideal, it was a fine location for the Bishops of Rochester to conduct their business and to entertain guests, including dignitaries and royalty. The palace, surrounded by moats, was a place of pilgrimage for centuries, because of a holy well and oratory dedicated to Saint Blaise. Today, the palace still holds a special place in the heart of Bromley. No longer a Bishop’s home, it stands tall as part of the bustling Bromley Civic Centre, a symbol of the town’s heritage and its future.