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The village of Chislehurst lays 10 miles south of Central London, with neighbouring towns of Bromley, Sidcup and Orpington nearby. Its small selection of shops, bars, restaurants and quaint feel has made it a family favourite, for life a little on the quieter side.
The rural village too, plays host to Chislehurst Conservation Area, which spans over a thousand acres; an expansive scope of green space.
Chislehurst’s most well-known feature and one of great history is Camden Palace, now home to Chislehurst’s Golf Club. I look forward to repairing locks here and might consider a membership in exchange for locksmith services! At the start of the 17th Century, the palace was home to French Emperor Napoleon III, upon his death in 1873, a grand procession was held through the centre of the village towards St Mary’s Church, where his body, as well as his son Prince Imperial, were laid to rest. A Memorial for Prince Imperial can be found on Chislehurst Common. With Camden Palace built around 1717, I can’t help but wonder if any of the original locks or mechanisms are still intact today!
Aside from Napoleon III, the area has seen an array of famous faces grace its streets, with the Chislehurst Caves, manmade caves used to shelter residents during the Blitz, in the 1960’s were used as rock music venues. With the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and many more performing in the caves.
Locksmith fact of the day:
Roughly 4,000 years ago, the first known lock is said to have been in existence, created by the Egyptians – they were made of strong wood to secure doors and windows!
Locks (and Locksmiths!) have come a long way since the Egyptian times, with our metal cylinder locks most definitely a lot more secure and durable than the days of using wood!
