London Borough of Croydon

Croydon is a suburban town to the south of London; though it used to be a Surrey Urban District Council, it is now part of the London Borough of Croydon, which has a cabinet-style council created in 2001.

The name of Croydon derives originally from the Anglo-Saxon croeas deanas, meaning "the valley of the crocuses", indicating the fact that, like Saffron Walden in Essex, it was a centre for the collection of saffron. The crocuses are long gone, however. Croydon had a growth spurt in the 1960s and remains a good place to observe concrete buildings of that era.

Croydon was once known for having within its borders the main airport for London. Croydon Airport began operating, first as a couple of World War One airfields for the protection against Zeppe;ins and developed in the twenties and thirties into one of the world's major airports of the day. Many famous aviators and pioneers came to Croydon in the course of their activities. In World War Two, Croydon Airport became one of the three main fighter stations during the Battle of Britain, together with Kenley and Biggin Hill. After resumption of its civil aviation operations it was finally realized that with increasing size and numbers of aircraft Croydon would have no room for expansion and London Heathrow Airport first and then London Gatwick Airport were designated as main airports for London. The airport finally closed on 30 September 1959.