|
Penge: Most beautiful site in the world.
"...the site of the Crystal Palace on the summit of Penge Park, is one of the most beautiful in the world..."
Bradshaw's pocket handbook to the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway
"The various ascents from Dulwich onwards to 'the palace' have a special attraction. The roads are 'green lanes' and, in spite of the innumerable villas, never seem to lose their sylvan character... there is a certain sense of dreamy solitude, an air of contented happiness and tranquillity... the palace... is the very life and soul of the district, and inspires all...
This district of Sydenham, Norwood, Forest Hill, Anerley, 'Lordship Lane' is about the fairest and most 'winsome' of all the suburban dependencies of London"
Fitzgerald, London city suburbs as they are today, 1893
"There is no place in or around London so well adapted for a day's outing as the Crystal palace. It combines beauty, fresh air, intellectual surroundings, and a good restaurant: the last is an item for comfort on a holiday. The best way to reach the Palace is by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway, whose train places the visitor at the grand transept, the true centre of the whole building. In the interior of the Palace a man may familiarize himself with all the great productions of classic and modern Art, whilst he is surrounded by examples of all the great types of architecture. In the Picture Gallery he may see good examples of works by living painters, whilst in the grounds he will find pleasant walks, shady nooks, and admirable geological animals reproduced with great care."
London Chatham & Dover Railway Illustrated Guide, 1870
|
