Bromley Hall, Gillender Street, London E14

Bromley Hall today Bromley Hall stands on the busy northern approach road to the Blackwall tunnel in east London. Listed Grade II*, it appears to be the only surviving structure of the lower of Bromley’s two Manors and is a rare and comparatively complete survival of a brick structure from the early Tudor period. Its appearance today, however, owes much to an early eighteenth century remodelling. Following a long period of vacancy whilst its future was being decided, it has suffered neglect and been placed on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register.

A brighter future for the building is now being planned following its purchase by Leaside Regeneration in 2001, who will undertake a programme of repair and adaptation for use as a local business centre, with funding provided from various sources including English Heritage. In order to understand its historical development and significance, English Heritage advised that a programme of archaeological and architectural fabric analysis and recording be implemented in advance of the repair and refurbishment of the building.

Archaeological excavations being undertaken by MoLAS The survey has been undertaken by the Museum of London Archaeological Service (MoLAS), with scientific dating, project guidance and monitoring provided by English Heritage. This has greatly increased our knowledge of the buildings past and will help build a more complete picture of its many and varied uses (and owners) since its construction. Whilst it may never break free from the traffic, its new lease of life will be a triumph for conservation and a signal that will give hope to others.