This story of a wealthy Victorian family who lived in Shortlands valley is an excellent example of how a simple enquiry into your family history can lead to so much of interest.  As Tim Sowter the auther explains, a vague family memory ended up revealing an insight into the lives of real people over a century ago and the wealthy but sometimes dangerous world they lived in.

Apart from the personal details of the family's lives, there is also much to be learned about Bromley, its social life and development, and how to investigate a family's history!

Click on the link below to download the story of Thomas and Agnes Dence.