Our Story: History
4 August 2009
A number of community groups including young people, elders and teenage parents have taken part in a Heritage Lottery funded project exploring the rich and varied history of their local area of Bromley by Bow. This summer they came together to launch their commemorative book “Our Story: History”.
The Bromley by Bow Centre were delighted to receive a grant of £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to run a number of community based workshops about local history to develop a commemorative book and participant in the Mayor of London’s Story of London Festival.
During June, a number of community groups have learnt about key events in history that have shaped the local area, including the building of King James Palace on St Leonards Street in 1606 and Gandhi’s stay in Kingsley Hall. This project has enabled diverse and often isolated members of the community celebrate their heritage, share their stories and make connections with one another.
The “Our Story: History” book describes 7 fascinating stories about Bromley by Bow in short story format and includes illustrations from the community and a fold-out personal history map, where the group members explain how they are connected to these historical events.
Members of the community who took place in the project today received a copy of the book and the remaining copies will be shared with local schools and ESOL classes so that many more can learn about Bromley by Bow’s rich and varied history.
To request a copy please email Laura Westwick on lauraw@bbbc.org.uk.
