Croydon's first public parks
In 1840, the area around Croydon
was made up of private estates
owned by a few wealthy people.
The only green spaces
open to ordinary people
were the old commons
until the first public parks
were opened.
Croydon's first public park
was Duppas Hill.
It opened to the public in 1865.
In 1874, Addington Hills were bought
by the Local Board of Health
so that local people
could enjoy the benefits
of fresh air.