History of Croydon
This month, we delve into the history of the place RedDoor calls home—Croydon. With a storied past that inspired a Beatles song, Croydon’s journey from modest origins to a bustling London borough is a tale worth telling. Its religious significance, musical influences, and vibrant community make it the prominent borough it is today.
Domesday Book to London’s main airport
Croydon was not always part of London. Historically, it belonged to Wallington in Surrey during the Norman Conquest of England. When discovered in 1086, the Domesday Book recorded Croydon’s population at just 365. Today, Croydon boasts a population larger than Iceland, Cardiff, or Belfast!
One of its most enduring landmarks is the Surrey Street Market. Trading since 1276, this market is a vibrant hub for local artisans and food traders, operating seven days a week. Its establishment ties back to Croydon’s religious importance. Croydon Palace, a summer residence for the Archbishop of Canterbury for over 500 years, made the area one of the holiest in the country.
In the mid-19th century, Croydon became a leisure hotspot. The Royal Beulah Spa and Gardens, designed by notable architect Decimus Burton in 1831, drew Victorian society to its pleasures. Among its famous events was the “Grand Scottish Fete” in 1834, featuring tightrope performer Pablo Fanque, who achieved fame through the Beatles song “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite.”
During World War II, Croydon housed London’s main airport, which played a crucial role in the war effort. However, it suffered significant damage from German V-1 and V-2 attacks. Post-war, Heathrow Airport took its place, but the Croydon Airport Visitor Centre now stands, preserving its storied history from its WWI origins to its closure in 1959.
Culture and transport
In 1987, feeling a lack of unique identity, Croydon Council invested £30 million in a cultural complex that became the Croydon Clock Tower, housing the Museum of Croydon. The museum showcases the borough’s history, including Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts.
Today, the borough offers excellent transport links, with East and West Croydon stations providing quick access to Central London and Gatwick Airport. Its tram network connects the borough to neighbouring areas, enhancing its appeal as a commuter hub.
There is a range of highly rated schools, such as Wilson’s School and Old Palace of John Whitgift School, alongside Aerodrome Primary Academy. For leisure, residents enjoy parks like Wandle Park and Duppas Hill Park, and diverse dining options at BOXPARK. Activities range from trampolining at Oxygen Free Jumping to board games at The Ludoquist café.
Over 2,000 digital business
There has been a 40% increase in digital businesses in Croydon in the last 10 years, with the borough now home to more than 2,000 digital, data and technology businesses, employing more than 8,000 people in the borough. For businesses in Croydon or those considering a move to this vibrant borough, RedDoor offers comprehensive managed IT services, ensuring smooth operations in a community rich with history and opportunity.
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“When you need help in a crisis, the team at RedDoor really know how to assist. They’ve not only helped me (with major email issues) but they have also been on hand to help my clients too. They have provided such a great support package for a number of my clients over the years, it’s just so reassuring to know you can refer to them with confidence they’ll get things sorted.”
-Jason Mountier
