“What’s in a name?” Shakespeare asked. Here in Southborough, the answer is history. Southborough is a charming suburb nestled in South East London. Before 1965, it was part of Kent. Today, let’s explore what makes Southborough special.
Southborough got its name from South Barrow. South Barrow was a house in the 1600s. It stood where Birdham Close is now. By the mid-19th century, Southborough was still a small hamlet. It had a few large houses and about 16 cottages.
Charles Freeman described Southborough in 1832. He wrote about its pleasant seats and old houses. Local stories told of a baron’s court. This baron had the right to carry out executions. A gatehouse on a farm was said to be his prison. John Dunkin, writing in 1815, doubted these tales. He thought they were exaggerated. Southborough was part of a manor belonging to the Bishop of Rochester.
The opening of Southborough Road train station changed the area. It opened in 1856 and was later renamed Bickley station. South Barrow transformed over the years. In 1901, it became Belmont School. Later, in 1922, it became Cloisters old people’s home. It even served as an office for the War Damage Commission. Sadly, it was demolished in 1954. Jubilee Country Park opened in 1977. It commemorated the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
Today, Southborough blends into Bromley Common, Bickley, and Petts Wood. The heart of Southborough is Southborough Road. Here, you will find shops, pubs, a library and places of worship.
Two notable pubs stand here. The Chequers and The Crooked Billet. The Chequers pub is a Grade II listed building. The Crooked Billet has a somber history. A plaque remembers those who died when a V2 rocket hit it in 1944. You can also find Southborough Library here.
Southborough has a rich heritage. It evolved from a small hamlet to a vibrant London suburb. Its history lives on in its streets and local memories. So, next time you pass through Southborough, remember its story. It is a story of change, resilience, and community.