Shortlands began to be developed from the 1860s following the arrival of the railway in 1858.

In 1863, William Wilkinson, owner of Shortlands House sold 136 acres of land for building and the Shortlands estate was begun.

Bromley Grove was among the first roads to be developed and was initially occupied by professionals such as solicitors and barristers.

No 12 is likely to date from the second phase of development in the 1870s. It was replaced with flats shortly after this picture was taken, but similar houses survive in the road.