London Borough of Croydon

Croydon skyline 2

London Borough of Croydon is a local government district and London borough located in South London, England, forming part of the outer ring of London. It is one of the largest commercial districts outside Central London, with an extensive shopping district and night-time economy. Established in 1965 by the London Government Act 1963, the borough covers an area of approximately 87 square kilometers and is one of the 32 London boroughs.

History

The area known as Croydon has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The name Croydon is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon words croh, meaning "crocus", and denu, meaning "valley", indicating that it was a centre for the collection of saffron. During the Middle Ages, Croydon served as a market town and a centre for charcoal production, leather tanning, and brewing. The introduction of the Croydon Canal in 1809 and later the railway in the 19th century transformed Croydon into an important industrial and transport hub.

Governance

The London Borough of Croydon is governed by the Croydon Council. The borough is divided into 24 wards, each electing three councillors. Croydon operates under a Leader and Cabinet model, where the Leader of the Council is responsible for the overall strategy and policies of the council. The borough is also represented by Members of Parliament (MPs) in three separate parliamentary constituencies.

Geography

Croydon is located on the southern edge of London, bordered by the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bromley, and Sutton. The borough's landscape is varied, featuring urbanized areas in the north and open green spaces in the south, including parts of the North Downs.

Economy

Croydon has a diverse economy with significant retail, office, and light industrial sectors. It is home to the Whitgift Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in London. The borough has also been identified as a major metropolitan centre in the London Plan, with several urban regeneration projects underway to further develop its commercial and residential infrastructure.

Transport

Croydon is well-served by public transport, including the Tramlink system, which is the only tram system in London. It also has several railway stations providing connections to London Victoria, London Bridge, and other destinations. The East London Line extension has further improved accessibility to and from Croydon.

Culture and Community

Croydon has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous arts and entertainment venues, including the Fairfield Halls, which hosts concerts, theatre productions, and exhibitions. The borough also boasts several parks and open spaces, such as South Norwood Country Park and Wandle Park, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Education

The borough has a wide range of educational institutions, from primary schools to colleges and a university centre. Croydon College and the Croydon campus of the University of Sussex offer further and higher education options to local and international students.

See Also

• History of London
• Local government in London
• Economy of London
• Transport in London
• Culture of London