| Revision as of 22:05, 15 May 2022 edit82.71.30.27 (talk) →CommunityTag: Reverted← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 08:24, 29 October 2024 edit undoEntranced98 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers173,140 edits Adding short description: "District of South London, England", overriding automatically generated descriptionTag: Shortdesc helper | ||
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| {{Short description|District of South London, England}} | |||
| {{Use British English|date=September 2015}} | {{Use British English|date=September 2015}} | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}} | ||
| {{Infobox UK place | {{Infobox UK place | ||
| | official_name |
| official_name = Thornton Heath | ||
| | static_image_name |
| static_image_name = High Street, Thornton Heath - geograph.org.uk - 605910.jpg | ||
| | static_image_caption |
| static_image_caption = High Street, Thornton Heath | ||
| | coordinates |
| coordinates = {{coord|51.4002|-0.1086|display=inline,title}} | ||
| | population |
| population = 65,812 | ||
| | population_ref |
| population_ref = (])<ref>Thornton Heath is made up of three wards in the London Borough of Croydon: Bensham Manor, Thornton Heath, and West Thornton. {{cite web |title=2011 Census Ward Population Estimates |url=http://data.london.gov.uk/2011-census-ward-pop |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202755/http://data.london.gov.uk/2011-census-ward-pop |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref> | ||
| | os_grid_reference |
| os_grid_reference = TQ315685 | ||
| | charingX_distance_mi |
| charingX_distance_mi = 7.2 | ||
| | charingX_direction |
| charingX_direction = N | ||
| | london_borough |
| london_borough = Croydon | ||
| | region |
| region = London | ||
| | country |
| country = England | ||
| | post_town |
| post_town = CROYDON | ||
| | postcode_area |
| postcode_area = CR | ||
| | postcode_district |
| postcode_district = CR0 | ||
| | post_town1 |
| post_town1 = THORNTON HEATH | ||
| | postcode_area1 |
| postcode_area1 = CR | ||
| | postcode_district1 |
| postcode_district1 = CR7 | ||
| | dial_code |
| dial_code = 020 | ||
| | constituency_westminster = ] | | constituency_westminster = ]<br>] | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Thornton Heath''' is a district of ], England, within the ]. It is around {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} north of the town of ], and {{convert|7.2|mi|km|1}} south of ]. Prior to the creation of ] in 1965, Thornton Heath was in the ]. | '''Thornton Heath''' is a district of ], England, within the ]. It is around {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} north of the town of ], and {{convert|7.2|mi|km|1}} south of ]. Prior to the creation of ] in 1965, Thornton Heath was in the ]. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| {{main|History of Thornton Heath}} | {{main|History of Thornton Heath}} | ||
| Until the arrival of the railway in 1862, Thornton Heath was focused on an area {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} |
Until the arrival of the railway in 1862, Thornton Heath was focused on an area {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} southwest of the Whitehorse manor house (now a school), at the locality on the main London–Sussex road known as Thornton Heath Pond in the parish of ]. Between the manor house and pond was an isolated farmhouse. Eventually, it became the site for the railway station and the main expansion hub. | ||
| In the 50-year period |
In the 50-year period from 1861 to 1911, Thornton Heath saw a complete transformation from an isolated rural outpost to an integrated metropolitan suburb. In its infancy, a new railway station in the eastern farmlands enabled the immediate area to evolve around a central point. In the late 19th century, the western part of Thornton Heath, which lay directly on the main London–Sussex road, demonstrated a classic form of suburban ribbon development. In the process, it became the final piece in an urban chain linking two major centres, London and Croydon, completing the greatest metropolitan expansion in the world at that time which cost £112 million in today's money.{{When|date=May 2023|reason=With what year's value of GBP?}} | ||
| Please note that there is a very detailed page 'History of Thornton Heath' if you want to find out more. | |||
| ==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
| The nearest places are ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | The nearest places are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. | ||
| Geologically, some areas have clay-heavy soil, including Norbury and South Norwood. There is the gravelly, fertile soil in parts of the Thornton Heath area, which explains why market gardening and gravel extraction were major industries. | |||
| <ref>Hepworth, S and Bligh, S ‘Thornton Heath; A local study pack’, (2nd edition) Croydon Libraries | |||
| 1993</ref> | |||
| <!-- ==Demography==--> | <!-- ==Demography==--> | ||
| <!-- ==Economy== --> | <!-- ==Economy== --> | ||
| Line 40: | Line 43: | ||
| ==Transport== | ==Transport== | ||
| ===Bus=== | ===Bus=== | ||
| Thornton Heath is served by ] routes ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], plus night routes ], ] and ] and school route 663. Thornton Heath bus garage, owned by ], is at the junction of London Road and Thornton Road, known as Thornton Heath Pond. | Thornton Heath is served by ] routes ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], plus night routes ], ], and ] and school route 663. ], owned by ], is at the junction of London Road and Thornton Road, known as Thornton Heath Pond. | ||
| ===Rail=== | ===Rail=== | ||
| Line 51: | Line 54: | ||
| Architecturally, Thornton Heath is predominantly ] in both its residential and commercial sectors. There are a number of imposing, even grand, buildings surviving from this period. | Architecturally, Thornton Heath is predominantly ] in both its residential and commercial sectors. There are a number of imposing, even grand, buildings surviving from this period. | ||
| Two examples are St Paul's Church and St Alban's Church. |
Two examples are St Paul's Church and St Alban's Church. St Alban's is an Anglican church and is listed as Grade II. Built in 1889, it was the first church designed by the late Victorian architect ]. It is situated on the busy junction of Grange Road and the High Street. It is described as being of a red-brick perpendicular style with stone dressing. | ||
| At the junction of the High Street and Parchmore Road, on a site previously called Walker's Green, stands the Clocktower, which was built in 1900, financed partly by public subscription. | At the junction of the High Street and Parchmore Road, on a site previously called Walker's Green, stands the Clocktower, which was built in 1900, and financed partly by public subscription. | ||
| However, the |
However, the Victorian baths did not survive,<ref name="huntley-cartwright">{{cite web|url=http://www.huntleycartwright.co.uk/projects/leisure/2_thornton_pool.html|title=Thornton Heath Leisure Centre|publisher=Huntley Cartwright Charted Quantity Surveyors|access-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> and were replaced by a modern sports and leisure centre in 2004.<ref name="cg-new-centre">{{cite news|url=http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/504841.new_centre_success/|title=New centre success|last=Menhinnitt|first=Daniel|date=30 June 2004|work=The ]|publisher=]|access-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> It cost £8 million with £2.8 million from the British ] ''Good Causes'' Fund through ].<ref name="cg-new-centre"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/542174.national_lotterys_benefit_to_the_borough/|title=National Lottery's benefit to the borough|last=Menhinnitt|first=Daniel|date=3 November 2004|work=The ]|publisher=]|access-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> | ||
| Several small and large blocks of flats have been built in the area, in a similar style. A large one is Crystal Court, adjacent to the Leisure Centre. There was an intense fire there. Although the building had passed safety checks, residents were concerned about the role of the cladding. This is being replaced.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thechronicle.website/fears-over-cladding-in-fire-hit-block/ | title=Fears over cladding in fire hit block|website=Thechronicle.website | date=2 August 2021 }}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | ==Demography== | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath has a high degree of ethnic diversity with large proportion of people from a ] background. In the 2011 census, Thornton Heath |
||
| Architects have posted about their project in the Library with a Council remit to refurbish and extend the Edwardian building, in particular, to improve access.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.fashionarchitecturetaste.com/2010/09/thornton_heath.html | title=FAT Architecture|website=Fashionarchitecturetaste.com}}</ref> There was also work as part of the regeneration project of the High Street to the Library on Brigstock Road.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://find-an-architect.architecture.com/you-me-architecture-ltd/london/thornton-heath-high-street | title=Thornton Heath High Street by YOU & ME Architecture Ltd|website=Find-an-architect.architecture.com }}</ref> | |||
| In 2019, there was a contest organised by the Thornton Heath Community Action team for a planned redesign of the central area; it was won by architecture students.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thechronicle.website/5764-2/ | title=Student architects winning redesign of Thornton Heath|website=Thechronicle.website | date=19 May 2019 }}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | == Demography and economics == | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath has a high degree of ethnic diversity with a large proportion of people from a ] background. In the 2011 census, Thornton Heath (comprising the wards of ], ], and ]) was ] or ] (36.4%), ] or ] (27.4%), ] or ] (25.9%), ] (7.1%), and other ethnic groups (6.6%). The largest single ethnicity is White British (20.2%) followed by ] (17.6%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/bensham-manor-e05000148#sthash.GjZ23c8N.dpbs|title=Bensham Manor - UK Census Data 2011|website=UK Census Data|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/thornton-heath-e05000165#sthash.EVONkips.dpbs|title=Thornton Heath - UK Census Data 2011|first=Good Stuff IT|last=Services|website=UK Census Data|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/bensham-manor-e05000148#sthash.GjZ23c8N.dpbs|title=West Thornton - UK Census Data 2011|website=UK Census Data|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref> The average house price from sales in March 2023 was £421,433.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Thornton Heath Property Market Snapshot |url=https://truuli.co.uk/thornton-heath-house-prices/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=Truuli.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> | ||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |+Sales numbers and house prices in Thornton Heath - March 2023 <ref name=":0" /> | |||
| !Property type | |||
| !Number of sales last 12 months | |||
| !Average price achieved last 12 months | |||
| !Average price change per square foot last 12 months | |||
| |- | |||
| |Detached | |||
| |15 | |||
| |£596,912 | |||
| |31.1% | |||
| |- | |||
| |Semi-detached | |||
| |83 | |||
| |£487,110 | |||
| | -1.4% | |||
| |- | |||
| |Terraced | |||
| |400 | |||
| |£421,433 | |||
| |6.3% | |||
| |- | |||
| |Flat / Apartment | |||
| |343 | |||
| |£247,225 | |||
| |3.1% | |||
| |} | |||
| ==Sport and leisure== | ==Sport and leisure== | ||
| Thornton Heath gained a new leisure centre in May 2004 |
Thornton Heath gained a new leisure centre in May 2004.<ref name="cg-new-centre"/> Its popularity was such that ]s had to be fitted to improve security.<ref name="cg-new-centre"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://moreresults.factiva.com/results/index/index.aspx?ref=NQST000020041110e0ba002cc|title=Hurry for tickets to see Manchester Utd|date=10 November 2004|work=]|access-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> The centre is owned by Croydon Council, but was originally run by Parkwood Leisure,<ref name="cg-new-centre"/> and now run by Fusion Lifestyle in partnership with the council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/200087/spsc/thpool|title=London Borough of Croydon: Thornton Heath Leisure Centre|publisher=London Borough of Croydon|access-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath is one of the railway stations used by visitors to ] stadium, home of ] club ]. | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath formerly had a ] club, ], |
||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath formerly had a ] club, ], which played at the Keith Tuckey Stadium; the club ceased to exist at the end of the 2010–11 season. In 2012, fans of the club formed ], which plays at the Mayfield Stadium. In 2015, the club competed in the ] League. The reformed 5-time ] winners ] currently play at Thornton Heath. | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath is also home to historic rugby club ] founded in 1871. Their grounds and clubhouse are located in Frant Road off Brigstock Road. | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath is also home to the historic rugby club ] founded in 1871. Their grounds and clubhouse are located in Frant Road off Brigstock Road. | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath is one of the railway stations used by visitors to ] |
||
| There are |
There are three parks in Thornton Heath: Grangewood Park,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-playgrounds/parks-and-playgrounds-directory/grangewood-park|title=Grangewood Park | Croydon Council|website=Croydon.gov.uk}}</ref> Thornton Heath Recreation Ground,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-playgrounds/parks-and-playgrounds-directory/thornton-heath-recreation-ground|title=Thornton Heath Recreation Ground | Croydon Council|website=Croydon.gov.uk}}</ref> and Trumble Gardens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-playgrounds/parks-and-playgrounds-directory/trumble-gardens|title=Trumble Gardens | Croydon Council|website=Croydon.gov.uk}}</ref> | ||
| The 2012 Olympic torch was taken along the High Street and Brigstock Road. | The 2012 Olympic torch was taken along the High Street and Brigstock Road. | ||
| ==Health== | ==Health== | ||
| Thornton Heath healthcare is part of |
Thornton Heath healthcare is part of ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/|title=Home|website=Croydon Health Services NHS Trust}}</ref> ] practices are independent and receive NHS funding. The Council covers some health services such as public health. It has sole responsibility for social services. | ||
| The local hospital |
The local hospital is ] (formerly Mayday Hospital). It was assessed in 2021 by the Care Quality Commission as "requiring improvement" overall. However, some specific services were rated as "good".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RJ611|title=Croydon University Hospital - Care Quality Commission|website=Cqc.org.uk|access-date=19 October 2024}}</ref> | ||
| ==Community== | ==Community== | ||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath Community Action Team<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thorntonheath.net/|title=Thornton Heath Community Action Team|website=Thorntonheath.net|access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref> was formed in 2014 by a group of residents and businesses. Its aim is to deliver projects and to improve the area, such as organising litter picks, planting new plants, and a community Christmas tree. Members of the community have a garden in part of a local park and are maintain the planting area in the Ambassadors House forecourt. They also lobby and campaign on relevant local issues. | ||
| '''MP and councillors''' <br> | |||
| The MP for Croydon North is Steve Reed (Labour), Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. <ref>https://www.stevereedmp.co.uk/</ref> He introduced an Act of Parliament that protects people with mental illness from violent restraint. Contact details (need to make an appointment for his face-to-face surgeries)are online<ref>https://www.stevereedmp.co.uk/contact/</ref> | |||
| The Thornton Heath area has 3 wards:Thornton Heath, Bensham Manor and West Thornton. All councillors are Labour. Details are online. <br> | |||
| '''Police'''<br> Their website includes stats about local crime, and how it compares to Croydon and to London. <BR> | |||
| '''Thornton Heath Library'''<br> There is information about their services online <ref>https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/libraries/find-your-library/thornton-heath-library</ref> Now only open a few days a week, and has significantly less stock.<br> | |||
| '''Community groups and activities'''<br> | |||
| ⚫ | Thornton Heath Community Action Team<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thorntonheath.net/|title=Thornton Heath Community Action Team|website= |
||
| ⚫ | Sustainable Thornton Heath is a group of local people concerned about the environment |
||
| ⚫ | There were Thornton Heath festivals for several years up to 2019.<ref>https://thorntonheathfestival.com/</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | Sustainable Thornton Heath is a group of local people concerned about the environment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sustaintheath.wordpress.com/|title=Sustainable Thornton Heath|website=Sustainheath.wordpress.com}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | The |
||
| Friends of Grangewood Park organise events and projects to improve the park, and encourage people to use it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://grangewoodpark.co.uk/|title=Grangewood Park|website=Grangewoodpark.co.uk}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | In addition to the murals in the improvement programme, there are other artworks, such as a mosaic and mural at the station. An 'Art Trail' map was compiled as a guide.<ref>https://www.thorntonheath.net/arttrail/</ref> | ||
| Facebook groups include Thornton Heath Community Action Team and Thornton Heath Local, a more general group. Both are private but easy for local people to join. In 2021, a Thornton Heath app, We are Thornton Heath, was created.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wearethorntonheath.app/|title=We Are Thornton Heath|website=Wearethorntonheath.app}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thechronicle.website/thornton-heath-app-launched-to-drive-economic-growth/|title=Thornton Heath app launched to drive economic growth|website=Thechronicle.website|date=7 October 2021}}</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | There is local news in the 'Thornton Heath Chronicle'. |
||
| ⚫ | There is local news in the 'Thornton Heath Chronicle'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thechronicle.website/|title=Thornton Heath Chronicle|website=Thechronicle.website}}</ref> | ||
| '''Shops and businesses'''<br> | |||
| There is a growing number of branches from chains such as: Subway, Boots Optician, Poundland and Costa. The number of hairdressers, nail bars, takeway shops and cafes and independent food shops has increased. There is also a wider variety of food,reflecting the diversity locally,such as halal meat and ingredients for some South Asian,Eastern European and Afro Caribbean recipes. | |||
| ⚫ | There were Thornton Heath festivals for several years up to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thorntonheathfestival.com/|title=Thornton Heath Festival|website=Thorntonheathfestival.com}}</ref> | ||
| '''Information'''<br> | |||
| There is local news in the 'Thornton Heath Chronicle'. Free in print and online | |||
| ⚫ | The council had a regeneration plan for Thornton Heath. "Since 2016 we have been involving local people in an improvement programme, making the High Street and Brigstock Road more attractive, with funding from the GLA. This included new pavements and road improvements, upgrades to shop fronts, wall art by local artists along the high street, and improvements to the forecourt of Ambassador House".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.croydon.gov.uk/planning-and-regeneration/regeneration/places-croydon/thornton-heath-0|title=Thornton Heath | Croydon Council|website=Croydon.gov.uk}}</ref> | ||
| A Thornton Heath app has been created; 'We are Thornton Heath' .<ref>https://wearethorntonheath.app/</ref> | |||
| ⚫ | In addition to the murals in the improvement programme, there are other artworks, such as a mosaic and mural at the station. An 'Art Trail' map was compiled as a guide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thorntonheath.net/arttrail/|title=Thornton Heath Art Trail – Thornton Heath Community Action Team|website=Thorntonheath.net|date=10 July 2020 }}</ref> | ||
| Facebook groups include Thornton Heath Community Action Team and Thornton Heath Local, a more general group. Both are private but easy to join if you live locally. | |||
| ==Notable residents== | ==Notable residents== | ||
| {{unreferenced section|date=April 2020}} | {{unreferenced section|date=April 2020}} | ||
| {{div col}} | |||
| *], actor | *], actor | ||
| *], artist | *], artist | ||
| Line 118: | Line 140: | ||
| *], cricketer | *], cricketer | ||
| *], actor | *], actor | ||
| *], musician | |||
| *], musician | *], musician | ||
| *], architect | *], architect | ||
| Line 144: | Line 167: | ||
| *], footballer | *], footballer | ||
| *], rapper | *], rapper | ||
| {{div col end}} | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 150: | Line 174: | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{commons category-inline|Thornton Heath}} | {{commons category-inline|Thornton Heath}} | ||
| * | |||
| {{LB Croydon}} | {{LB Croydon}} | ||
| Line 158: | Line 181: | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
Latest revision as of 08:24, 29 October 2024
District of South London, EnglandHuman settlement in England
| Thornton Heath | |
|---|---|
 High Street, Thornton Heath | |
  Thornton HeathLocation within Greater London | |
| Population | 65,812 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TQ315685 |
| • Charing Cross | 7.2 mi (11.6 km) N |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CROYDON |
| Postcode district | CR0 |
| Post town | THORNTON HEATH |
| Postcode district | CR7 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| UK Parliament | |
| London Assembly | |
| 51°24′01″N 0°06′31″W / 51.4002°N 0.1086°W / 51.4002; -0.1086 | |
Thornton Heath is a district of South London, England, within the London Borough of Croydon. It is around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the town of Croydon, and 7.2 miles (11.6 km) south of Charing Cross. Prior to the creation of Greater London in 1965, Thornton Heath was in the County Borough of Croydon.
History
Main article: History of Thornton HeathUntil the arrival of the railway in 1862, Thornton Heath was focused on an area 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the Whitehorse manor house (now a school), at the locality on the main London–Sussex road known as Thornton Heath Pond in the parish of Croydon St John the Baptist. Between the manor house and pond was an isolated farmhouse. Eventually, it became the site for the railway station and the main expansion hub.
In the 50-year period from 1861 to 1911, Thornton Heath saw a complete transformation from an isolated rural outpost to an integrated metropolitan suburb. In its infancy, a new railway station in the eastern farmlands enabled the immediate area to evolve around a central point. In the late 19th century, the western part of Thornton Heath, which lay directly on the main London–Sussex road, demonstrated a classic form of suburban ribbon development. In the process, it became the final piece in an urban chain linking two major centres, London and Croydon, completing the greatest metropolitan expansion in the world at that time which cost £112 million in today's money.
Geography
The nearest places are Mitcham, Croydon, South Norwood, Norbury, Pollards Hill, Selhurst, Upper Norwood, and Eastfields.
Geologically, some areas have clay-heavy soil, including Norbury and South Norwood. There is the gravelly, fertile soil in parts of the Thornton Heath area, which explains why market gardening and gravel extraction were major industries.
Transport
Bus
Thornton Heath is served by London Buses routes 50, 60, 64, 109, 130, 198, 250, 289, 450, 468 and SL6, plus night routes N68, N109, and N250 and school route 663. Thornton Heath bus garage, owned by Arriva London, is at the junction of London Road and Thornton Road, known as Thornton Heath Pond.
Rail
Thornton Heath railway station is on the London Victoria branch of the Brighton Main Line, and is operated by Southern. Other stations nearby are Selhurst, the next station down, and Norwood Junction, on the East London line of the London Overground.
Culture and architecture
Architecturally, Thornton Heath is predominantly Victorian in both its residential and commercial sectors. There are a number of imposing, even grand, buildings surviving from this period.
Two examples are St Paul's Church and St Alban's Church. St Alban's is an Anglican church and is listed as Grade II. Built in 1889, it was the first church designed by the late Victorian architect Sir Ninian Comper. It is situated on the busy junction of Grange Road and the High Street. It is described as being of a red-brick perpendicular style with stone dressing.
At the junction of the High Street and Parchmore Road, on a site previously called Walker's Green, stands the Clocktower, which was built in 1900, and financed partly by public subscription.
However, the Victorian baths did not survive, and were replaced by a modern sports and leisure centre in 2004. It cost £8 million with £2.8 million from the British National Lottery Good Causes Fund through Sport England.
Several small and large blocks of flats have been built in the area, in a similar style. A large one is Crystal Court, adjacent to the Leisure Centre. There was an intense fire there. Although the building had passed safety checks, residents were concerned about the role of the cladding. This is being replaced.
Architects have posted about their project in the Library with a Council remit to refurbish and extend the Edwardian building, in particular, to improve access. There was also work as part of the regeneration project of the High Street to the Library on Brigstock Road.
In 2019, there was a contest organised by the Thornton Heath Community Action team for a planned redesign of the central area; it was won by architecture students.
Demography and economics
Thornton Heath has a high degree of ethnic diversity with a large proportion of people from a BAME background. In the 2011 census, Thornton Heath (comprising the wards of Bensham Manor, Thornton Heath, and West Thornton) was Black or Black British (36.4%), White or White British (27.4%), Asian or Asian British (25.9%), mixed/multiple ethnic groups (7.1%), and other ethnic groups (6.6%). The largest single ethnicity is White British (20.2%) followed by British African-Caribbean people (17.6%). The average house price from sales in March 2023 was £421,433.
| Property type | Number of sales last 12 months | Average price achieved last 12 months | Average price change per square foot last 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached | 15 | £596,912 | 31.1% |
| Semi-detached | 83 | £487,110 | -1.4% |
| Terraced | 400 | £421,433 | 6.3% |
| Flat / Apartment | 343 | £247,225 | 3.1% |
Sport and leisure
Thornton Heath gained a new leisure centre in May 2004. Its popularity was such that turnstiles had to be fitted to improve security. The centre is owned by Croydon Council, but was originally run by Parkwood Leisure, and now run by Fusion Lifestyle in partnership with the council.
Thornton Heath is one of the railway stations used by visitors to Selhurst Park stadium, home of Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Thornton Heath formerly had a Non-League football club, Croydon Athletic, which played at the Keith Tuckey Stadium; the club ceased to exist at the end of the 2010–11 season. In 2012, fans of the club formed AFC Croydon Athletic, which plays at the Mayfield Stadium. In 2015, the club competed in the Southern Counties East League. The reformed 5-time FA Cup winners Wanderers FC currently play at Thornton Heath.
Thornton Heath is also home to the historic rugby club Streatham-Croydon RFC founded in 1871. Their grounds and clubhouse are located in Frant Road off Brigstock Road.
There are three parks in Thornton Heath: Grangewood Park, Thornton Heath Recreation Ground, and Trumble Gardens.
The 2012 Olympic torch was taken along the High Street and Brigstock Road.
Health
Thornton Heath healthcare is part of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. GP practices are independent and receive NHS funding. The Council covers some health services such as public health. It has sole responsibility for social services.
The local hospital is Croydon University Hospital (formerly Mayday Hospital). It was assessed in 2021 by the Care Quality Commission as "requiring improvement" overall. However, some specific services were rated as "good".
Community
Thornton Heath Community Action Team was formed in 2014 by a group of residents and businesses. Its aim is to deliver projects and to improve the area, such as organising litter picks, planting new plants, and a community Christmas tree. Members of the community have a garden in part of a local park and are maintain the planting area in the Ambassadors House forecourt. They also lobby and campaign on relevant local issues.
Sustainable Thornton Heath is a group of local people concerned about the environment.
Friends of Grangewood Park organise events and projects to improve the park, and encourage people to use it.
Facebook groups include Thornton Heath Community Action Team and Thornton Heath Local, a more general group. Both are private but easy for local people to join. In 2021, a Thornton Heath app, We are Thornton Heath, was created.
There is local news in the 'Thornton Heath Chronicle'.
There were Thornton Heath festivals for several years up to 2019.
The council had a regeneration plan for Thornton Heath. "Since 2016 we have been involving local people in an improvement programme, making the High Street and Brigstock Road more attractive, with funding from the GLA. This included new pavements and road improvements, upgrades to shop fronts, wall art by local artists along the high street, and improvements to the forecourt of Ambassador House".
In addition to the murals in the improvement programme, there are other artworks, such as a mosaic and mural at the station. An 'Art Trail' map was compiled as a guide.
Notable residents
 | This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
- Eric Barker, actor
- Alfred J. Bennett, artist
- Mary Berkeley, athlete
- Martin Butcher, cricketer
- Ashley Chin, actor
- Desmond Dekker, musician
- Del Dettmar, musician
- Jane Drew, architect
- Mickey Finn, musician
- Frankmusik, musician
- W. H. Greenleaf, political scientist
- D. J. B. Hawkins, philosopher
- Beth Hazel, swimmer
- Anne Hocking, writer
- London Hughes, comedian
- Christopher Louis McIntosh Johnson, journalist
- Wizz Jones, musician
- Simon Jordan, businessman
- Peter Ling, television writer
- Edward Lloyd, publisher
- David Payne, footballer
- Dickie Pride, musician
- Martyn Rooney, athlete
- Flora Sandes, soldier
- Steve James Sherlock, composer
- John Shuter, cricketer
- Paul Simonon, musician
- Emile Smith Rowe, footballer
- Stormzy, musician
- Don Weller, musician
- Wilfried Zaha, footballer
- SL, rapper
References
- Thornton Heath is made up of three wards in the London Borough of Croydon: Bensham Manor, Thornton Heath, and West Thornton. "2011 Census Ward Population Estimates". Greater London Authority. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
- Hepworth, S and Bligh, S ‘Thornton Heath; A local study pack’, (2nd edition) Croydon Libraries 1993
- "Thornton Heath Leisure Centre". Huntley Cartwright Charted Quantity Surveyors. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- ^ Menhinnitt, Daniel (30 June 2004). "New centre success". The Croydon Guardian. Newsquest Media Group. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- Menhinnitt, Daniel (3 November 2004). "National Lottery's benefit to the borough". The Croydon Guardian. Newsquest Media Group. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- "Fears over cladding in fire hit block". Thechronicle.website. 2 August 2021.
- "FAT Architecture". Fashionarchitecturetaste.com.
- "Thornton Heath High Street by YOU & ME Architecture Ltd". Find-an-architect.architecture.com.
- "Student architects winning redesign of Thornton Heath". Thechronicle.website. 19 May 2019.
- "Bensham Manor - UK Census Data 2011". UK Census Data. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
- Services, Good Stuff IT. "Thornton Heath - UK Census Data 2011". UK Census Data. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
- "West Thornton - UK Census Data 2011". UK Census Data. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
- ^ "Thornton Heath Property Market Snapshot". Truuli.co.uk. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- "Hurry for tickets to see Manchester Utd". Croydon Guardian. 10 November 2004. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- "London Borough of Croydon: Thornton Heath Leisure Centre". London Borough of Croydon. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- "Grangewood Park | Croydon Council". Croydon.gov.uk.
- "Thornton Heath Recreation Ground | Croydon Council". Croydon.gov.uk.
- "Trumble Gardens | Croydon Council". Croydon.gov.uk.
- "Home". Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.
- "Croydon University Hospital - Care Quality Commission". Cqc.org.uk. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- "Thornton Heath Community Action Team". Thorntonheath.net. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
- "Sustainable Thornton Heath". Sustainheath.wordpress.com.
- "Grangewood Park". Grangewoodpark.co.uk.
- "We Are Thornton Heath". Wearethorntonheath.app.
- "Thornton Heath app launched to drive economic growth". Thechronicle.website. 7 October 2021.
- "Thornton Heath Chronicle". Thechronicle.website.
- "Thornton Heath Festival". Thorntonheathfestival.com.
- "Thornton Heath | Croydon Council". Croydon.gov.uk.
- "Thornton Heath Art Trail – Thornton Heath Community Action Team". Thorntonheath.net. 10 July 2020.
External links
Media related to Thornton Heath at Wikimedia Commons
