The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

By Croyson Advertiser

A century is not a long time in the life of a town: it is only just beyond the limits of the elastic measuring device, which is sometimes described as 'living mem­ory'.

But much has changed in Croydon since the start of the century. We have seen the boom years, experienced the lean times, yet have never failed to retain the position of a town of oppor­tunity; as the mid-Victorian pioneers had visualised it, one of the foremost business centres of the south.

And along with the businesses came the explosion of the residential population. There are many who may be able to recall and share some of the memories, but as these numbers decline, we seek to play our part in helping to produce this book to record snatches of the history of our town. We have been greatly assisted in this by John Gent of the Croydon Natural History and Scientific Society.

We have endeavoured to give a true picture and a flavour of life in Croydon from the early years to 1997. Included are pictures of the town's medieval market quarter before redevelopment in the 1890s, of the great days of Croydon Airport (the cradle of civil aviation in this country), of the disap­pearing rural surroundings and devel­oping suburbs, and of tragic and happy events in war and peace - and of course Crystal Palace.

207 pages Over 360 images Hardback

PLEASE NOTE: All the copies have been purchased from high-class antique book dealers and are therefore of good quality. Second hand books are however subject to the usual problems - light foxing and / or lightly stained pages, loose or missing spines and the page edges, etc may not be perfect. Where available the jackets may not be perfect (and we may not have any in stock with a jacket). The pages are always fully secure. The best available copy of the book will always be sent.