Coordinates: 51°20′09″N 0°03′13″E / 51.3359°N 0.0535°E
| Downe | |
 
Downe
Downe shown within Greater
London |
|
| OS grid reference | |
|---|---|
| London borough | Bromley |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | London |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ORPINGTON |
| Postcode district | BR6 |
| Dialling code | 01689 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament | Orpington |
| London Assembly | Bexley and Bromley |
| List of places: UK • England • London | |
Downe is a village in the London Borough of Bromley in London, UK.
Downe is 3.4 miles (5.5 km) south west of Orpington and 14.2 miles (22.9 km) south east of Charing Cross. Downe lies in a wooded valley, and much of the centre of the village is unchanged; the former village school now acts as the village hall.
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Charles Darwin lived in Down House for 40 years, from 1842 until he died there in 1882. A favourite place of his was Downe Bank, now a nature reserve.
Down House and the surrounding area has been nominated by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to become a World Heritage Site with the decision expected in 2010[1].
Downe is the location of Buckston Browne Farm, built in 1931 as a surgical research centre by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS). In the 1980s, the farm caused controversy because of its use of vivisection techniques, and in August 1984 it was raided by anti-vivisection activists.
The farm is currently being re-developed as a training centre.
The 86 acres (350,000 m2) of woodland and open fields form Downe Scout Activity Centre just outside the village.
Downe Village is also home to Stage Door Theatre Group (formerly known as the Young Downe Arounders, due to its affiliation with the Downe Arounders Dramatic Society) which presents one major production each academic year, plus other events throughout the season. The group is open to all young people between the ages of 7 and 17. It is managed by a group of adult volunteers and parents. The group was formed in December 2003 by members of the Downe Arounders, its aim is to provide for youth in the community as well as giving young people the opportunity to learn through the experience of performing arts. SDTG is a member of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.
There are no rail links to the village, but it is served by two hourly bus routes:
The nearest rail stations are:[2]
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   | Darwin at Downe - World Heritage Site nomination - darwinatdowne.co.uk |
| | Transport Direct - Transport Direct - Britain's free online route planner & journey planner |
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