Sydenham is shared between the London boroughs of Lewisham, Bromley and Southwark. Before the creation of the County of London in 1889, Sydenham had been located in Kent, bordering Surrey. Historically, the area was very affluent, with the Crystal Palace being relocated to Sydenham Hill in 1854.
Sydenham station was opened on 5 June 1839 by the London and Croydon Railway.