Croydon

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The London Borough of Croydon is a London borough in South London and part of Outer London.

Geography

it is the largest London borough by population. At its centre is the historic town of Croydon from which the borough takes its name. Central Croydon is the largest office and retail centre in the south east of England other than central London. Population: 340,200 Area: 86.52 sq km

Major Towns

Addington, Addiscombe, Broad Green, Coombe, Coulsdon, Croydon, Forestdale, Hamsey Green, Kenley, New Addington, Norbury, Purley, Sanderstead, Selhurst, Selsdon, Shirley, South Croydon, South Norwood, Thornton Heath, Upper Norwood, Waddon, West Croydon, Woodcote, Woodside.

History

There is evidence of Roman settlement in the area and a 5th to 6th century pagan Saxon cemetery. In the late Saxon period, it was the centre of a large estate belonging to the Archbishops of Canterbury. The church and the archbishops' manor house occupied the area still known as the Old Town. The archbishops used the manor house as an occasional place of residence and would continue to have important links as Lords of the manor right up to the present day. In 1276, the archbishop acquired a charter for a weekly market, and this probably marks the foundation of Croydon as an urban centre. Croydon developed into one of the main market towns of northeast Surrey.