Brief History of Croydon...
Croydon Origin
Croydon wasn’t always a London Borough. In fact, it was historically part of Wallington in the county of Surrey, during the Norman Conquest of England. When it was discovered in 1086, the Domesday book recorded its inhabitants at only 365. Now, Croydon has a population bigger than Iceland, Cardiff or Belfast! It was believed that Croydon’s name has an Anglo-Saxon origin, like most boroughs in the surrounding area, coming from the word croh meaning ‘crocus’ and denu meaning ‘valley’. Another possible name origin is Brittonic in the form of Crai-dun meaning ‘settlement near fresh water’.
Recorded In The Doomsday Book
Croydon was among the many areas recorded in the Domesday Book, a book completed by order of King William the Conqueror in 1086. In order to raise taxes to pay for his extensive army, William set a motion to survey the wealth and assets of each of the areas in his land. The book was also used to assess the state of the country’s economy after the Conquest. Croydon was first mentioned in 1783, when the book was officially published. Some statistics that were noted down where 48 villagers, an 8 acre meadow, 1 mill and 1 church. It’s safe to say Croydon has grown since then!
Surrey Street Market
One of the most prominent places in Croydon is arguably the Surrey Street Market. This market dates back to the 13th century, trading since 1276, during the reign of King Edward I. Since then, the market is still going strong today, operating 7 days a week and celebrating its local artisans and food traders. So why was this historic market established here? It was considered ‘one of the most holiest places in the country’, says Rory Walsh, Croydon local and writer at Discovery Britain. Several Archbishops of Canterbury used Croydon as a resting stop between Kent and Lambeth Palace. Croydon Palace was built to accommodate these religious figures and became a summer residence for the Archbishop for over 500 years!
Croydon Airport
During WW2, Croydon proudly inhabited Croydon Airport, which was London’s main airport at the time. However, during the war, Croydon was mostly destroyed by German V-1 flying bombs and V-2 rockets. Once the war was over, Heathrow Airport took Croydon’s place. Yet, Croydon have not wasted this space, opening the Croydon Airport Visitor Centre in 2000, which charts the history of the airport from WW1, to its service during WW2 and its closure in 1959.
