Broom Hill, London

Broom Hill takes its name from a shrub located on the hill that was used to make brooms.[1] It was historically a rural locality, noted only for its broom and bonnet-making industries.[1] In 1819 a Zion Chapel was built on Devonshire Road, however this was later converted to cottages and then the cottages torn down in 1935.[1] In the early 20th century housing development began in the southern part of the area, including a golf course, to cater for commuters using Orpington railway station.[1] Further development occurred, and the golf course was built over, with the area losing its rural character completely and merging into Orpington and the surrounding suburbs.[1]

Nowadays the area essentially forms a western suburb of Orpington, centred on Broom Hill Common, which is protected under the Commons Preservation Act 1965.[2] There is one pub - The Cricketers - located here,[3] a very small row of shops on Fordwich Close, and further shops lining Chislehurst Road.

• Malcolm Campbell (1885-1948) - British racing motorist who set the world speed record on land and on water in the 1920-30s, practised flying from Broom Hill in the 1910s.[1][4]

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  Broom Hill Common
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  Shops on Fordwich Close
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  The Cricketers pub
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  Broom Hill Common from Broomhill Road
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  Shops on Chislehurst Road
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  Typical suburban housing of the area