This area of Bexley is an interesting combination of parks and crescents, rivers and motorways. The housing range is typically suburban, with an impressive 1930s extended semi-detached house featuring prominently throughout. The area compares favourably with its neighbours largely thanks to its spacious layout – back gardens are a notable added benefit. Most of the locale falls under the Blackfen and Sidcup areas, although the southern part is largely taken up by the vast green area, Lamorbey Park, which lends itself as grounds for Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, Sidcup Golf Club, and Rose Bruford College. The grammar school – around since the 30s – is historically and politically renowned for having been the centre of attention both locally and nationally on several occasions. It stands next to Lamorbey House, a stunning grade-II listed Jacobean-style building which currently houses Rose Bruford, the college which pioneered the first acting degree in 1976. Despite such grandiose landmarks, the area offers a homely environment, as exemplified by the Bexley Allotments at Penhill Park – for those willing to spend Sunday afternoon out in the open. Such contrasts make this area uniquely interesting.

The area as it presents itself today sprouted rapidly from the initiatives of speculative builders. Many newly minted middle-class city workers were looking for a golden mean between having London at their doorstep and a more settled life away from the city lights. This would land them directly at the heart of the 1930s housing boom which was speedily filling up the spaces between the former agricultural villages of Sidcup and Blackfen. Lamorbey House was probably the centrepiece of the area until the coming of the railway in 1866, prior to which the Malcolms, a Scottish family, had graced the land with several notable amenities. These included the Holy Trinity Church and the church school whose legacies survive in the area today.

It is evident that with one of the two theatrical hubs being located in the locale (the other being Bird College in Sidcup Town, just south of the area), it would not only attract those looking for fame and fortune, but also produce the famous and the fortunate. Gary Oldman, known for his intense portrayals of characters such as Beethoven or the chilling institutionalised gangster in the film Léon: The Professional, received his early training as a thespian at Rose Bruford College. Oldman is one of the rare specimens where, contrary to the norm, adolescence brought about a passion for classical music, in rebellion against the Beatles which were played in the home. Despite having to part with the dream of becoming a concert musician, there is no doubt that Oldman’s meticulous work ethic and profound immersion were influenced by his early musical roots.

As previously mentioned, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School on Hurst Road has been something of a cultural institution over the past 90 years. In 1982 the school was the subject of a national media sensation when The Express, among other newspapers, ran a piece entitled “The Day my Sixth Form went Wild”. Thanks to the boldness of 160 pupils who had decided to throw a boozy Christmas party, resulting in the whole sixth-form’s suspension, the school was branded “Sozzlehurst and Hiccup”. Journalists were offering £5 to pupils who could recall the most compelling antics from the event. Whether this served as a benefit or a curse for the school can be debated by the staff, but it certainly shines light on the historically joyous nature of the neighbourhood in the 1980s.

For those considering moving into the northern-most part of the neighbourhood area, it may be worth noting that the A2 trunk road leading to Rochester is very close to the high street. As a result, the noise levels may be a deterring factor, though only specific to the one part of neighbourhood. Others may appreciate a more upbeat, lively atmosphere to be found closer to Dartford or Bromley – one fifth of the Blackfen and Lamorbey ward are pensioner households. As well as being ‘a good place to live for schools’, however, what makes this area more attractive relative to its southern counterparts is the lack of railway stations in walking distance causing house prices to be lower, recalls one local.

Over the next five years, the nearby areas around Lamorbey Park and above Hurst Road will benefit from a total of £835,000 of funding as part of the recently assigned Sidcup Business Improvement District (BID). By levying already established businesses in the area, money will be raised which will be directed towards improving local infrastructure, streamlining common supply chains for local businesses, and externally promoting Sidcup to attract visitors. The BID stretches beyond this particular neighbourhood area, down to Sidcup High Street.