Penge, Historic district in South East London, United Kingdom
Penge is a residential area in South East London situated between Crystal Palace Park and Beckenham. The district features Victorian houses and tree-lined streets that form a typical suburban landscape with a mix of older and modern residential buildings.
The area has Celtic origins, its name meaning 'head of the wood' and pointing to ancient British settlement. The nearby relocation of Crystal Palace in 1854 catalyzed rapid growth from a small hamlet into a suburban community.
The Free Watermen and Lightermen's Almshouses display Tudor-style design and reflect the area's maritime heritage within London's development. These buildings shape the neighborhood's character and remind visitors of traditional crafts tied to the Thames.
Two railway stations, Penge East and Penge West, provide direct connections to central London and nearby areas. Bus services complement rail links, making it easy to walk through the neighborhood and reach other parts of the city.
Though Penge has ancient Celtic roots, the community as we know it grew rapidly after Crystal Palace's move in 1854. Few visitors realize how this single event transformed a quiet countryside into a thriving suburban neighborhood.
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