Keston

Keston is a village located in the London Borough of Bromley, near Biggin Hill and Downe. It is situated close to the North Downs and is surrounded by the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is also near the River Cray and is home to several historic buildings, including the Keston Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The village has a strong connection to the Church of England and is part of the Diocese of Rochester.

Introduction

Keston is a small village with a rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. The village has been mentioned in several historic documents, including the Victoria County History of Kent, which provides a detailed account of the village's history and development. The village is also close to the M25 motorway and is accessible by London Bus routes, including the R2 (London bus). The village has a strong sense of community, with several local events and festivals, including the Keston Village Fete, which is held annually in June. The village is also home to the Keston Primary School, which is a Church of England school and is part of the Bromley Local Education Authority.

Geography

Keston is situated in the North Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty that stretches across Kent and Surrey. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands, including the Keston Common, which is a popular spot for walking and hiking. The village is also close to the River Cray, which flows through the nearby Cray Valley and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The village has a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, such as the Red Kite and the Tawny Owl, which can be found in the surrounding woodlands. The village is also home to several farms, including the Keston Farm, which produces a range of crops and livestock.

History

Keston has a rich and varied history, dating back to the Iron Age. The village has been occupied by several different cultures, including the Romans, who built a road through the village, and the Normans, who built the Keston Church. The village has also been mentioned in several historic documents, including the Domesday Book of 1086, which provides a detailed account of the village's history and development. The village has a strong connection to the Church of England and is part of the Diocese of Rochester. The village has also been home to several notable residents, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who was born in the nearby Cheapside. The village has a strong sense of history and is home to several historic buildings, including the Keston Manor, which dates back to the 16th century.

Demographics

Keston has a population of around 4,000 people, according to the 2011 census. The village has a diverse range of residents, including families, young professionals, and retirees. The village has a strong sense of community, with several local events and festivals, including the Keston Village Fete, which is held annually in June. The village is also home to several community groups, including the Keston Village Association, which works to promote the village and its interests. The village has a high proportion of residents who commute to London for work, with many using the nearby Bromley South railway station to travel to Victoria Station or London Bridge. The village is also home to several schools, including the Keston Primary School, which is a Church of England school and is part of the Bromley Local Education Authority.

Economy

Keston has a diverse range of businesses and industries, including farming, retail, and services. The village is home to several local shops, including the Keston Village Store, which sells a range of food and household goods. The village is also home to several pubs and restaurants, including the Keston Village Inn, which serves a range of food and drinks. The village has a strong sense of entrepreneurship, with several local businesses and startups, including the Keston Business Park, which provides office space and support for local businesses. The village is also close to several major employers, including the Bromley Council, which is based in the nearby Bromley Civic Centre. The village is also home to several charities and voluntary organizations, including the Keston Community Trust, which works to promote the village and its interests.