Come along on a walking tour that explores some of Central Croydon's queer history. From some lesser known aspects of Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift's life to Second World War Spitfire pilot Roberta Cowell and London's oldest LGBTQ+ Tennis club - we will discover the fascinating queer stories hidden in our borough.

Tudor almshouses dating from 1596 and founded by the Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift. Chapel and Courtyard with original 16C clock.

Unknown, 1596

St Michael's is a Grade 1 listed building by architect J L Pearson. It was described by the poet John Betjeman as”one of Pearson’s loveliest churches” and Pevsner stated that “The Interior is one of Pearson’s finest, and one of the most satisfying of its date anywhere”. There are particularly fine interior furnishings by eminent artists such as Bodley, Temple Moore and Comper.

J Loughborough Pearson, 1881

This tour will look into the diverse buildings,their stories, styles and their effects on the Croydon Old Town/Central Croydon. From Medieval churches to Brutalism, 1960s urban planning and Victorian green spaces, this tour will span the history of Croydon and discuss what it might look like in the future.

Anthony Minoprio, 1968

Croydon Town Hall will be opened for a limited number of guided tours, providing rare access this unique Victorian-style, Grade II listed building. Croydon Town Hall was designed by local architect Charles Henman and opened in 1896.

Charles Henman, 1896

A storytelling adventure of Croydon's rich musical scene. This walk takes you through the heart of Central Croydon starting at The Queen’s Gardens where you will see ‘Croydon Symphony‘ the mural showcasing artists who made Croydon their home and inspiration. Then visit Fairfield Halls to The Star, now The Broad Green Tavern, where Jimmi Hendrix once climbed through a back window to perform.

Charles Henman, 1896

We propose to open the Museum of Croydon stores for an intimate guided tour of our stored collections. This activity will take approximately 1hr and can cater for a maximum of 8 people.

Charles Henman, 1896

Will Noble, author of Croydonopolis and editor of Londonist, discusses how Croydon's reputation as a 'concrete hell' belies a truly remarkable town. Hear the amazing story of this much-maligned town, whose only fault was to be too far ahead of the curve. The greatest city that never was.

Charles Henman, 1896

Medieval style church rebuilt by Sir George Gilbert Scott after 1867 fire. Tower & south porch are 15C. Large nave with open timber-work roof leads to chancel dominated by superb stained glass window & rich alabaster reredos.

Mediaeval/Sir George Gilbert Scott, 1870

Join John Grindrod, author of 'Iconicon' and 'Concretopia', on a walk around the endless rebuilding of Croydon town centre.

Opening the doors of Croydon Quaker's Adult School Hall, built in an Arts & Crafts style in the 1900's as an educational community facility in the then rural borough centre. Archive materials on the history and design of the building will be present alongside a drop-in mixed media mapping and zine making workshop.

William Curtis Green, 1908