High Street No. 180-184 High Street (HSBC Bank) – Heritage Building Profile

This classy building was erected in 1888 by the local butcher David Harris. It was designed by Walter Albert Williams and built in the Flemish style (so details are lifted from medieval cities like Bruge) of the Arts and Crafts movements.  His butchers shop occupied the corner unit with the other 3 shops being rented out.

Look closely at this building and you can see dragons and putti (like cherubs) in the carved stone decoration. Very medieval. 

Having grown rich during the boom years after the coming of the railway in 1858 and not content with this magnificent display of civic pride, the following year, Mr Harris brought professional theatre to Bromley by building the Grand Hall later known as the New Theatre where BHS now stands.

Above the first floor window are terracotta carvings which include the letters ‘C’ and ‘H’ for Covell & Harris (the butchers).   Also notable are the little dragons on one side and the oriel window, with a medieval style statue above.

David Harris (the Harris out of Covil & Harris) then occupied the corner section with three other units rented out. Having grown rich during the boom years after the coming of the railway in 1858 and not content with this magnificent display of civic pride, the following year, Mr Harris brought professional theatre to Bromley by building the Grand Hall later known as the New Theatre where BHS now stands.