Bohemia Village Voice

Bohemia Estate

The Bohemia Estate by J F Wilbraham and C K Wiper – reviewed by local historian Edward Preston.
John Stow’s Survey of London was first published in 1598. He died without knowing the significance it would have for historians after the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed virtually the whole city.
On a lesser scale, the work of these two schoolboys in 1971, now nicely reproduced, is today a most useful aid for local historians of Bohemia. The quality and depth of their research would do credit to much more mature students; with every step clearly stated and sources identified. The maps are easy to read, and help us to understand why Hornty Road and Hillyglen Close, amongst others, came to be so named. The history of the ownership of the lands comprising the estate, and the interesting remains, including the Enclosed Garden and the pseudo-Roman bath, will surely encourage readers to want to explore  for themselves. o A History and Description of the Bohemia Estate by J F Wilbraham & C K Wiper, first pub 1971 by Hastings Grammar School. This edition published by John Humphries, 2009, price £5. ISBN 978-1-874628-00-2. Available from 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards.