Photo: Bishop Jonathan (centre) and his wife Toni (centre right) view archives at a visit to the former Bishop's Palace in Bromley
In a historic visit, Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Rochester returned to Bishop’s Palace in Bromley, named after his predecessors, to look back at Bromley’s history as a new future for the Civic Centre site continues to progress.
The Bishop of Rochester was received at Bishop’s Palace, also known as Bromley Palace and the Old Palace, by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley.
The visit explored the history of Bromley and particularly of the Grade II listed Palace, which was once home to former Bishops of Rochester. While the current building was built in 1845, the Bishop’s connection to Bromley dates back to the eighth century and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, which includes an entry citing the Bishop when there were around 200 residents in the area.
The Mayor of Bromley Councillor David Jefferys said:
“I was delighted to welcome the Bishop back to the longstanding home of former Bishops of Rochester and connect over our shared history in Bromley.
As we walked through the decorative halls that would have housed the Bishop’s predecessors, I was struck by the history of the moment we were in, which comes at a pivotal point for us. As the council moves to Churchill Court, I look forward to our bright new future, as Bromley heads into our sixtieth year as a borough next year.”
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs said:
“It was a pleasure to return to see this impressive building and explore the historical ties between my predecessors and Bromley. There was much fascinating local history discussed and I am pleased that we could spend some time reflecting on the importance of this.
The Diocese of Rochester remains as committed as ever to supporting the communities in the Borough of Bromley and we value our partnership with the council very highly.”
The visit was also attended by the Archdeacon of Bromley and Bexley, the Venerable Allie Kerr, and the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Rev Roger Bristow.
Bromley Historic Collections brought several historical items from the Bromley Archives to examine as part of the visit, including the extract from the Doomsday Book mentioning the Bishop of Rochester.
Bromley Archives were also recently involved in Open House Festival, when the Mayor joined interested residents for a tour of the collection, which included parish records from 1965 when Bromley, Beckenham, Penge, Orpington and Chislehurst came together to form the London Borough of Bromley.
The Bishop’s Palace forms part of the Civic Centre site at Stockwell Close, with the current building dating from 1775 and with a Manor House being on the site since the tenth century, which later became the Bishop of Rochester’s Palace.
The Bishop of Rochester parted ways with the site in 1845 and Bromley Council began using the Palace as part of its Civic Centre in 1982 following relocation from the Old Town Hall. Now as the council continues with its relocation of the Civic Centre to Churchill Court.
The Bishop’s Palace is Grade II listed, which means strict planning restrictions and regulations are in place to preserve its historical significance.