About Croydon

Croydon in northeast Surrey is a major commercial centre and the principal settlement of the London Borough of Croydon.

Recorded as Croindene in the Domesday Book in 1086, Croydon developed during the Middle Ages as a market town and a centre for charcoal production, leather tanning and brewing.

The Surrey Iron Railway from Croydon to Wandsworth, which opened in 1803, was the world's first horse-drawn railway. This later evolved into an important means of transport, facilitating Croydon's growth as a commuter town for the City of London and beyond.

In the early 20th century Croydon was a prominent industrial area, known for metal working, car manufacture and its airport. In the mid 20th century the retailing and service economy took over following a major redevelopment of office blocks and the Whitgift shopping centre. In 1965 Croydon was amalgamated into Greater London.

Croydon has since developed into the second largest shopping area in the south east (after central London), with its Whitgift Centre and Centrale shopping centres and a wide range of shops and department stores. The town is also London's third main CBD (after the Square Mile and the Docklands) and South London's main business centre. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced that he would support Croydon becoming an official city.

Croydon has several arts venues and local venues for comedy and community events. Musically the town has a thriving rock scene, has been pivotal in the development of the dubstep genre, and was home to the composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Croydon also plays host to the filming of popular TV shows shows Peep Show and The Bill.