Did you know that...
The name Chislehurst comes from the Old English words “cisel” which means gravel and “hyrst” which means wooded hill. This BR7 area is within the historic county of Kent. It’s known for its many ponds. The largest of them is in Chislehurst West that was known as Pricking and Prickend. This part of the district also includes the High Street. There are many pubs, cafes, and restaurants in this area. The Green Chain Walk has Chislehurst as one of the starting points. The local common hosted cricket games since the 18th century. The first recorded match here is the 1738 Chislehurst versus London game. The Chislehurst Cricket Club was based here.
Chislehurst Caves are a well-known feature of this South East London area. The caves are man-made flint and chalk mines. The first mention of these mines comes from the 9th century. The caves feature in TV series such as Doctor Who and The Tribe. They also feature in music videos from Iron Maiden and Cradle of Filth. Artists such as Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, and many others performed live shows here. Chislehurst Caves served as a shelter during World War II. A child was born here at that time. It was given the middle name Cavena. Since 1985, the caves host Labyrinthe, a live role-playing game.
The area was home to an important historical figure. Napoleon III lived at Camden Place in Chislehurst during his exile in England. The house borrows the name of antiquary and historian William Camden who lived here in the 17th century. The building is now home to the cricket club. Philosopher Alan Watts was born in Chislehurst and lived here during his childhood years. The lead singer of the Siouxsie and the Banshees band Siouxsie Sioux, businessman Peter Redpath, and chemist William Hyde Wollaston lived in the area as well.