Did you know that...
Historical evidence shows that Bean was a settlement since the 13th century or even earlier. This South East London village is surrounded by ancient woodlands on three sides. The north boundary is the ancient Roman road Watling Street. Back in the day, Bean was within the parish of Stone. A small road near Watling Street connected the settlement with the rest of the parish. A 1797 reference mentions the great woodland that almost surrounded the entire area. Ruins of an ancient fortification have been discovered on the Green Street Green hill. However, the camp cannot be reached because of the overgrown wood.
In 1843, the records mention several farms in the area. Thomas Muggeridge owned Green Street Green Farm, the largest one. Clock House Farm belonged to Miss Waldo. Both farm houses still stand. Bean Farm was on Bean Lane. The farm house has been demolished. Bean House bears a plaque from 1909. Mates Farm was originally called Pole Manor. It is one of the oldest farms in the area. Its history traces back to 1240. Sir Henry Wyatt, father of poet Thomas Wyatt owned the farm in 1520.
Because of its 300 ft position above the sea level, Bean DA2 had a defensive and warning role during the Elizabethan era. It was one of the points in a chain of beacons that were lit in case of a naval attack. The beacon was placed on the hill within the Country Park, one of the landmarks of this zone. The Beacon Wood Country Park is a DA2 leisure area since 1992 but its history spans over 400 years. The oaks that grew in the woodland provided a source of timber for ship building. The park also had a clay pit. Bean Lane street carries a unique name. There’s no other UK street to have this name.