The name Hayes is recorded from 1177 as hoese from the Anglo-Saxon meaning "a settlement in open land overgrown with shrubs and rough bushes".

[8] The house, which dated back to the 15th century, was demolished in 1933 by the developer Henry Boot and the site redeveloped, but its occupants are remembered in such road names as Chatham and Pittsmead Avenues.

Further commercial development occurred on Station Approach because the increased traffic through the railway terminus created an incentive for growth.

West Wickham and Bromley are completely joined with Hayes; and Coney Hall estate, beyond the Orpington - Croydon road is also part of the pattern.

[citation needed] The timbered cottage on the eastern side of Hayes Street was originally the village bakery, then it became a newsagents called "The Walnut Tree", until 2006, when it changed to residential use.

Several public pathways and popular walking routes run through the farmland, and regular car boot sales are hosted on the farm fields.

[citation needed] There is a group called Hayes Village Association (HVA) which meet regularly to inform people about local issues.

They regularly liaise with Bromley Council on planning matters and they give a voice to residents and businesses on a variety of issues.

[18] Sports bodies based in the area include: Cultural bodies in the area include: Hayes railway station is the terminus for Hayes line services operated by Southeastern to and from London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street stations.

These connect Hayes with areas including Bromley, Croydon (for trains to Gatwick Airport and Brighton), Eltham, New Addington, Orpington, West Wickham & Westerham.