Woodside, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodside |
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 Woodside War Memorial on Woodside Green |
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 Woodside
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| Population | 16,743 (2011 Census Ward) |
| OS grid reference | TQ344672 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CROYDON |
| Postcode district | CR0 |
| Post town | LONDON |
| Postcode district | SE25 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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Woodside is an area in south London, England. It is part of the London Borough of Croydon. You can find it between Addiscombe and South Norwood. It is south of South Norwood, west of Shirley and Monks Orchard, north of Addiscombe, and east of Selhurst.
Contents
History of Woodside
Woodside was first mentioned way back in 1332. Its name likely comes from its location next to the Great North Wood. This was once a huge forest that gave its name to many places called 'Norwoods' in the area.
Farming and Brick Making
For a long time, Woodside was mostly farmland. But the soil was very heavy, which made farming tough. By the 1850s, the clay soil helped a brick-making industry grow here. A small village started to form around Woodside Green in the early 1800s.
Handley's brickworks had tall chimneys that stood out. Their loud hooter would signal lunch breaks across the whole area. Handley's was later sold to Hall & Co. Then, Ready Mixed Concrete took over. The brick factories finally closed in 1974. After they closed, the land became Brickfields Meadow, a lovely park with woods and a lake.
Racecourse and Parks
In 1866, Croydon Racecourse opened nearby. This led to a railway station opening in 1871. However, the racecourse closed in 1890.
In 1871, a group called the Ecclesiastical Commissioners made an agreement about Woodside Green. They said it should always be kept as an open space. It was meant to be a place for people in Croydon and the surrounding area to relax and have fun. The land has been used for public recreation ever since.
In 1924, Croydon Council bought a large house in the area. They pulled it down and turned its land into a public park called Ashburton Park. Part of the house was kept and became a library. The library moved to a new spot in 2006. The old building is now called Ashburton Hall.
In 2006, Ashburton Learning Village opened. It includes a school and a new library.
What to See in Woodside
Today, Woodside is a quiet area with many homes. It is built around Woodside Green, a triangular green space about 4.75 acres (1.92 ha) in size. At one end of the green, you'll find a war memorial.
The green is surrounded by houses. The main shopping street is at one end. Portland Road is another important road leading from the green towards South Norwood. It has many more shops, restaurants, pubs, and even a swimming pool.
Woodside Green still feels a bit like a village. There are several old houses and cottages around it. Most of the homes are Victorian terraced houses or newer small flats. There is one pub in the area called the Joiner's Arms. Another pub, The Beehive, closed in 2017.
Woodside Green
Woodside Green is the main green space and a street in Woodside. It is close to Woodside tram stop. The green is over 4.75 acres (1.92 ha) big. Records from 1662 already mention "land lying up on a green called Woodside Green."
In 1871, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners made sure the green would always be a public space. They wanted it to be "forever kept as an open space and used as, and for, a place of recreation." This means it's a park for everyone to enjoy.
In 1888, the Borough of Croydon bought Poplar Farm next door. Part of this farm was added to the green. The green has old plane trees with benches under them. There's also an old stone trough for horses and cattle. Even though it's not used for animals anymore, it's still a cool feature of the green.
An old postcard from 1905 shows some of the businesses around Woodside Green back then. These included The Joiners Arms pub, Woodside News Agency, E Jupp Family Baker, and The Bee Hive pub.
Getting Around Woodside
You can get around Woodside using Tramlink. There are two tram stops: Woodside and Blackhorse Lane. The closest train station is Norwood Junction, which is north of Woodside in South Norwood.
Woodside used to have its own railway station. It opened in 1871. But it closed in 1997 after not being used much. The tram stop is now where the old station used to be. Part of the old railway track was turned into Addiscombe Railway Park, a nice path for walking and cycling.
Gallery
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The old Ashburton Library in Ashburton Park. It used to be part of a large house.
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The Joiners Arms pub, a local spot.
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St Luke's Church, built in 1870. It's now a special historic building.
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A peaceful lake in Brickfields Meadow.
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The old Woodside station building, no longer used for trains.
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Shops on Woodside Green, with the closed Beehive pub on the right.
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