View source for Coulsdon

{{Short description|Town in south London, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country                  = England
| region                   = London
| official_name            = Coulsdon
| static_image_name        = Barclay's Bank, Coulsdon - geograph.org.uk - 1000058.jpg
| static_image_caption     = Brighton Road
| london_borough           = Croydon
| constituency_westminster = [[Croydon South (UK Parliament constituency)|Croydon South]]
| post_town                = COULSDON
| postcode_area            = CR
| postcode_district        = CR5
| dial_code                = 020
| dial_code1               = 01737
| os_grid_reference        = TQ3059
| coordinates              = {{coord|51.3211|-0.1386|display=inline,title}}
| population               = 25,530
| population_ref           = (2021 Census)<ref name="Census2021CoulsdonTown">{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Coulsdon Town Population |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2021_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732703,645923018,2092957699&c2021_restype_3=0...2&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_restype_3&cols=geography,measures}}</ref>

<ref name="Census2021OldCoulsdon">{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Old Coulsdon Population |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2021_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732711&c2021_restype_3=0...2&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_restype_3&cols=geography,measures}}</ref>
}}
'''Coulsdon''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|uː|l|z|d|ən}}, traditionally pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|oʊ|l|z|d|ən}}) is a town in south [[London]], England, within the [[London Borough of Croydon]]. Coulsdon was an ancient parish in the county of [[Surrey]] that included the settlements of [[Purley, London|Purley]] and [[Kenley]]. It was merged with [[Sanderstead]] in 1915 to form the [[Coulsdon and Purley Urban District]] and has formed part of [[Greater London]] since 1965.

==History==
[[File:Coulsdon hills and valleys.png|thumb|A topological view of Coulsdon, showing the various hill and valleys.]]
The location forms part of the [[North Downs]]. The hills contain chalk and flint. A few [[dry valley]]s with natural underground drainage merge and connect to the main headwater of the [[River Wandle]], as a [[winterbourne (stream)]], so commonly called "the Bourne".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/175447/Geology-of-Surrey-with-diagrams3.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001321/http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/175447/Geology-of-Surrey-with-diagrams3.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Surrey County Council|archivedate=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/27-upper-north-downs_tcm6-14434.pdf|title=London's Natural Signatures|work=Natural England - Access to Evidence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314203935/http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/27-upper-north-downs_tcm6-14434.pdf |archive-date=2011-03-14 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Although this breaks onto the level of a few streets when the water table is exceptionally high, the soil is generally dry. The depression and wind gap was a natural route across the Downs for early populations.

Fossil records exist from the [[Pleistocene]] period (about 4,000,000 years ago).<ref>{{cite thesis| type=PhD |url=https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/portal/files/4059178/2011JubyCPhD.pdf|title=London before London: Reconstructing a Palaeolithic Landscape|publisher=[[Royal Holloway]], University of London. Department of Geography|first=Caroline|last=Juby|date=September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711131922/https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/portal/files/4059178/2011JubyCPhD.pdf |archive-date=2022-07-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

There is evidence of human occupation from the [[Neolithic]] period, [[Iron Age]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.6646|title= English Heritage|work=english-heritage.org.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905195855/http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.6646 |archive-date=2009-09-05 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="romanb">Volume 9 of the Bourne Society's Local History Records (1970)</ref> Anglo-Saxon,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/291649/digital_images/farthing+down/?&sort_typ=archnum&sort_ord=desc&z=0|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225643/http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/291649/digital_images/farthing+down/?&sort_typ=archnum&sort_ord=desc&z=0 |archivedate=14 July 2014 |title=Excavations in the Saxon Cemetery on Farthing Down, Coulsdon. |author=John Wickham Flower|website= canmore.rcahms.gov.uk |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="flowers" /><ref name="taylor">{{cite journal|last=Hope-Taylor |first=Brian |date=1949 |title=Celtic Agriculture in Surrey |journal=Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume=50 |doi=10.5284/1000221 |url=https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_50/surreyac050_047-072_hope-taylor.pdf}}</ref><ref name =Megalithic>{{cite web|url=http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=14920|title=Farthing Downs|work=The Megalithic Portal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801090240/https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=14920 |archive-date=2020-08-01 |url-status=live}}</ref> Bronze Age,<ref>http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/surreyac/ Surrey Archeological Society. Volume 64. Article "hoard of late bronze age things at crooksbury hill, coulsdon."</ref><ref>http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/surreyac/ Surrey Archeological Society. Volume 38 . Article "shunaway plantation" 1928. bronze found.</ref> Roman and [[Medieval]].<ref>[http://planning.croydon.gov.uk/DocOnline/38256_3.pdf Croydon Council planning document] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212433/http://planning.croydon.gov.uk/DocOnline/38256_3.pdf |date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> 
In 675, Frithwald, an [[Ealdorman]] and viceroy of King [[Wulfhere of Mercia]], gave land at Cuthraedesdune to [[Chertsey Abbey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/parksatoz/bradmore/bghistory |title=London Borough of Croydon : Bradmore Green - Bradmore Green history |access-date=1 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627230649/http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/parksatoz/bradmore/bghistory |archive-date=27 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Wheeler |first=Lucy |date=1905 |title=Chertsey Abbey : an existence of the past |publisher=Wells Gardner, Dalton |location=London |isbn=978-0341944041 |url=https://archive.org/details/chertseyabbeyexi00wheeuoft}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Parker |first=Eric |date=1908 |title=Highways and Byways in Surrey |publisher=Macmillan |url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/28057/28057.txt}}</ref> It appears as ''Colesdone'' in the [[Domesday Book]].<ref>[http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm Surrey Domesday Book] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715015325/http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm |date=15 July 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Place: Coulsdon |work=Open Domesday |url=http://www.domesdaymap.co.uk/place/TQ2959/coulsdon/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131020165652/http://www.domesdaymap.co.uk/place/TQ2959/coulsdon/ |archive-date=2013-10-20 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>
In 1537, the [[Dissolution of the monasteries]] passed ownership to the King.

In 1545, [[Henry VIII]] granted two homes with land in Whattingdon and Coulsdon, ''Welcombes'' and ''Lawrences'', to Sir [[John Gresham]], the [[Manorialism|manor]] having been owned by [[Chertsey Abbey]] in the 8th century, when it was recorded as ''Whatindone''.<ref name="malden" />

The Coulsdon Manor was granted or sold in 1553 to various families, including Sir [[Nicholas Carew (courtier)|Nicholas Carew]] (1553), Sir Francis Carew (1557),<ref name=malden/> [[Jerome Weston, 2nd Earl of Portland]], Sir Richard Mason, Sir Edward Darcy, Sir Robert Darcy and Sir Edward Bouverie (see [[William Bouverie, 1st Earl of Radnor|Earl of Radnor]]).<ref name="vch">{{cite web |title=Parishes: Coulsdon Pages 199-205 A History of the County of Surrey: Volume 4. |url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/surrey/vol4/pp199-205 |website=British History Online |publisher=Victoria County History, 1912 |access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref>

From 1782 to 1921, it was owned by three generations of the Byron family, who had already purchased the sub-manor of Hooley.<ref name="malden" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/surrey/vol4/pp199-205|title=Parishes: Coulsdon|work=british-history.ac.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914152623/https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/surrey/vol4/pp199-205 |archive-date=2022-09-14 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/coulsdon_lords_of_the_manor.htm|title=Coulsdon Lords of the Manor|author=Hugh McCullough|work=oldcoulsdon.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924055700/http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/coulsdon_lords_of_the_manor.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1801, the Byron family moved to live at Hooley House. Then, having sold a large amount of land in 1838 to the 'London to Brighton railway company', they moved from Hooley House to Portnall's Farm.

In 1850, Hartley Farm was demolished and Coulsdon Court was built by Thomas Byron. It was said to have been constructed of the last bricks to be made locally at Crossways (at Coulsdon Road, Old Coulsdon).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hadra.org.uk/Past%20Present%20%26%20Future.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=16 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232322/http://www.hadra.org.uk/Past%20Present%20%26%20Future.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1854, to avoid the court, he adjusted the paths of some local roads, and created a gated drive from the public road.

In 1863, Edmund Byron inherited the title. After his use of the [[inclosure act]]s was curtailed when he lost a case in 1877 at the [[Court of Chancery]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cnhss.org.uk/archives/Bulletin2008C133.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714113121/http://www.cnhss.org.uk/archives/Bulletin2008C133.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Bulletin of the Croydon Natural History & Scientific Society|archivedate=14 July 2014|website=www.cnhss.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lefevre |first=George |author-link=George Shaw Lefevre, 1st Baron Eversley |date=1910 |title=Commons, Forests and Footpaths. The Story of the Battle during the last Forty-five Years for Public Rights over the Commons, Forests and Footpaths of England and Wales |publisher=Cassell & Co Ltd |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alphabetthreat.co.uk/pasttense/text/fences.rtf|title=Down with the Fences|website=alphabetthreat.co.uk|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225245/http://www.alphabetthreat.co.uk/pasttense/text/fences.rtf|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> large areas were sold in 1883 to the Corporation of London.<ref>The Times (london, England), Monday, 21 May 1883; pg. 12; Issue 30825.</ref><ref name="rdh">{{Cite web|url=http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/parksatoz/riddlesdown/rdhistory|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302201508/http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/parksatoz/riddlesdown/rdhistory|url-status=dead|title=Riddledown History|archivedate=2 March 2011}}</ref><ref name= "col1">The Corporation of London: Its origin, constitution, powers, and duties. City of London (England). Corporation Oxford University Press, 1950.</ref><ref>http://hadra.org.uk/Conservation%20Report.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714123127/http://hadra.org.uk/Conservation%20Report.pdf |date=14 July 2014 }} Conservation report</ref> The importance of this event was reported in ''The Times''.<ref>Report on the Dedication Of Coulsdon Commons. The Times (london, England), Monday, 21 May 1883; pg. 12</ref> He also sold and gave away various plots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/24-smitham-bottom-infants-school-smitham.html|title=Plaque 24 - Smitham Bottom Infants School, Smitham|work=bournesociety.org.uk|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517193429/http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/24-smitham-bottom-infants-school-smitham.html|archive-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1921, Edmund Byron died. The remaining lands owned by the Byrons were sold. Land and manorial rights were passed to the Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council.<ref>Croydon Council. Local List of Historic Parks and Gardens December 2008 {{cite web |url=http://www.croydon.gov.uk/contents/documents/meetings/806358/609905/2008/2008-12-10/histappa.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119144719/http://www.croydon.gov.uk/contents/documents/meetings/806358/609905/2008/2008-12-10/histappa.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2012  }}</ref>

For many centuries, the lands contained several farms and manors and only on the coming of the railway were a few wealthy people from outside the traditional borders attracted to build grand houses, by 19th century descriptions, such as:

{{Blockquote|This parish, which is situated on the road from London to Brighton, occupies an elevated position, and commands extensive and varied prospects.|[[Samuel Lewis (publisher)|S. Lewis]]|''A Topographical Dictionary of England'', 1848<ref>Lewis, S. (1848). ''A Topographical Dictionary of England''. London: Samuel Lewis, p.145.</ref>}}

Until 1921, the Byron family had largely maintained this tradition, despite sales of earlier land. The sales in the 1860s increased the number of landowners. Most housing in Smitham (Bottom/Valley) and the [[nucleated village|clustered settlement]] of Old Coulsdon, as well as the narrower valley between them, was built in the 80 years from 1890 to 1970. The area developed mixed suburban, and in its centre urban, housing:
{{Blockquote|The whole aspect of the parish has been completely transformed during the last twenty years by building.  It was a little while ago entirely rural with a few new houses scattered along the line of the railway and up the valley towards Caterham, whence another deep depression in the chalk runs down to Smitham Bottom. Now there are continuous rows of villas and cottages and shops from Croydon to south of Coulsdon station.|[[Victoria County History]], vol. 4|''1912''<ref name="malden">{{cite web|title=Parishes: Coulsdon |editor=H.E. Malden  |publisher=Institute of Historical Research |work=A History of the County of Surrey: Volume 4 |access-date=20 October 2013 |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43052}}</ref>}}

The valley and routes in Smitham Bottom encouraged some early settlements. An inn, the Red Lion, appears on the Bainbridge map of 1783. The coming of the railway and improved road links encouraged buildings along the sides of the major roadways and close to the stations. Since 1921, the sales of the old estate lands have replaced a countryside of discrete farms with thousands of suburban dwellings.

Coulsdon segregated its long-haul from its local traffic with the construction of the Farthing Way A23 bypass, which opened in December 2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/3752.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817013248/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/3752.html|url-status=dead|title=Transport for London|archivedate=17 August 2012}}</ref> as part of the Coulsdon Town Centre Improvement Scheme.

==Quarrying==
The Hall family had been active in the Croydon area as coal and lime merchants since the 18th. In 1853 they leased an area of land in Coulsdon. In 1864 they closed their quarries at Merstham and increased their quarrying for chalk and flints and use of [[lime kiln]]s in Coulsdon.<ref name="quarry">Surrey Gazette, 19 April 1864</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Auction, Lot number 15. Quarry 2006. Subterra Britannia Bibliographical Service |url=http://projects.exeter.ac.uk/mhn/QUARRY.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204195147/http://projects.exeter.ac.uk/mhn/QUARRY.htm |archive-date=2009-02-04 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

This quarry at Coulsdon (Marlpit Lane) was named the 'Stoats Nest Quarry'. The works had its own internal railway system which connected to nearby main lines.

In 1898, the Hall family were refused permission (by their landlord) to build cement works on the Coulsdon site.<ref name="hall3">A century and a Quarter by C G Dobson. Published for private circulation by Hall and Co Ltd. 1951</ref>

The lime principally supplied for waterworks, gas works and tanneries. Demand reduced in 1902 when the Army changed from leather to webbing equipment. And in 1905 there was no longer demand from the gasworks.

Between 1905 and 1910 chalk was supplied for the Halls' cement works at Beddington.<ref>Effects of Mergers By Ruth Cohen, P. Lesley Cook. Page 127. References 'A Century and a Quarter' by C F Dobson, Hall and Co Ltd. 1951</ref>  In 1905, 13,000 tons of chalk were sent by rail from Coulsdon.<ref name="hall3" /> By 1918, it was processing lime for use as fertilizer.<ref>The Times, London, England, Monday, 1 July 1918; pg. 12</ref>

In 1920, the Hall company purchased 102 acres from their landlord, Byron. This offered their full benefit of the railways and kilns on the land.<ref>The Times (london, England), Thursday, 1 July 1920; pg. 23</ref>

Halls maintained a trading depot in the Marlpit Lane quarry from 1923. It was named the "Ullswater trading estate". The limeworks closed in 1961, and a park now lies in its place.<ref name="quarry" />

==Toponymy==
The town's spelling, pronunciation and location have changed. Coulsdon originally referred to the area now known as [[Old Coulsdon]].

The name derives from Cuðrædsdun via Cullesdone pre-1130, Culesdone pre-1190, Cullisdon 1242, Culesdene 1255, Colendone c1270, Kulisdon 1279, Collesdon 1288, Cullesdon 1323, Colleston 1324, Coulesdon 1346, Cullysdon 1377, Colynsdon 1428, Colysdon 1439, Collysdon 1563, Cowlesdon 1557, Coulsdon 1597, Cowisden 1604, Couldisdon 1610, Couldesdon 1675, Culsdon 1678, Colsdon 1724.<ref>The Bourne Society. Booklet "Bourne Society Records Volume 1".</ref><ref name="croydon.gov.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.croydon.gov.uk/contents/departments/planningandregeneration/pdf/spg20apps.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605124017/http://www.croydon.gov.uk/contents/departments/planningandregeneration/pdf/spg20apps.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Appendix 4 to L B Croydon's ''Improving Coulsdon Centre''|archivedate=5 June 2011}}</ref>

Additional variations include Curedesdone 675, Cudredesdone 675, Cudredesdune 967, Coulsdon 1083, Colesdone 1085, Culesdon 1234, Culisdon 1242, Cudredestreow 1251, Cullesdon 1266, Colesdene 1287, Colesdon 1290, Colesdun 1290, Culesdon 1291, Culesden 1292, Colieston 1324, Coulesden 1326, Coueleston 1332, Colisdon 1344, Culeston 1346, Cullysdon 1377, Cullisdoun 1403, Cullesdoun 1422, Culledon 1424, Colynsdon 1428, Collesdon 1439, Culsdon 1446, Cowlesdon 1539, Collesden 1544, Cowlesdowne 1553, Cullesdoy 1556, Colsdon 1558, Cowlesden 1558, Cullesden 1558, Cowllysdon 1567, Cowisden 1618, Coulsden 1619, Cowsdon 1620, Coolsden 1650, Coulesden 1650, Coilsoun 1655, Coulden 1655.<ref>1905 book. by S.J Madge - Index to the Source Book of Materials for Local History.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/naming_.htm|title=The naming of Old Coulsdon|work=oldcoulsdon.co.uk|access-date=15 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116202613/http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/naming_.htm|archive-date=16 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The widely accepted origin of the name is ‘hill of a man called Cūthrǣd’, (from OE pers. name + dūn, a hill).<ref name="flowers">http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/surreyac/ Surrey Archeological Society. Volume 6. Article "Notices of an Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Farthing Down, Coulsdon, Surrey "</ref> Alternatively the name originates from the Celtic or primitive Welsh "cull", meaning a leather bag, scrotum, bosom, womb or belly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kepn.nottingham.ac.uk/map/place/Surrey/Coulsdon|title=Key to English Place-names|author=University of Nottingham - Institute of Name Studies School of English|work=nottingham.ac.uk|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090644/http://kepn.nottingham.ac.uk/map/place/Surrey/Coulsdon|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spanglefish.com/coulsdonareahistory/index.asp?pageid=175925|title=Coulsdon Area History - PLACE NAME ORIGINS|work=spanglefish.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728221826/http://www.spanglefish.com/coulsdonareahistory/index.asp?pageid=175925 |archive-date=2020-07-28 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Worcestershire Place Names by W H Duignan. Oxford university press. 1905. Page 45, reference to Coulsdon.</ref>

The current town centre appears as Leydown Cross (1738)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/bourne-society-maps.html|title=Bourne Society Maps, Plans and Sites of Interest|work=bournesociety.org.uk|access-date=15 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504144204/http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/bourne-society-maps.html|archive-date=4 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> or Leaden Cross (1800)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.museumofcroydon.com/asset_arena/image/1s/a3_059p01s.jpg|title=Map of 1800|website=museumofcroydon.com|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517134018/http://www.museumofcroydon.com/asset_arena/image/1s/a3_059p01s.jpg|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Map Of The County Of Surrey From Trigonometrical Survey With The Roads, Parks & Railways 1874. |url=https://mapco.net/surrey1874/surrey28b.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622184317/http://mapco.net/surrey1874/surrey28b.htm |archive-date=2017-06-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Smitham Bottom.<ref name="Hidden London">{{cite web|url=http://hidden-london.com/gazetteer/smitham/|title=Smitham - Hidden London|work=hidden-london.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022122133/https://hidden-london.com/gazetteer/smitham/ |archive-date=2021-10-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1905, the parish council, and then the [[Post Office]] renamed "Smitham bottom" as "Coulsdon".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pikle.co.uk/londoncross/londoncross8.html|title=Pikle - London Cross - 8 - Upper Woodcote Village|website=pikle.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331005417/http://www.pikle.co.uk/londoncross/londoncross8.html |archive-date=2022-03-31 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.st-aidans-parish.org.uk/history.htm|title=A short history of St Aidan's Parish|work=st-aidans-parish.org.uk|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827183306/http://www.st-aidans-parish.org.uk/history.htm|archive-date=27 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The name "Smitham Bottom" has also changed. Smetheden (1331), Smithdenbottom (1536), Smythedean(e)(1548), Smythden Bottom (1588), Smitham Bottom (1719)<ref name="Hidden London"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://placenames.org.uk/browse/mads/epns-deep-11-c-mappedname-000247|title=The Historical Gazetteer of England's Place-names|work=placenames.org.uk|access-date=8 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517152431/http://placenames.org.uk/browse/mads/epns-deep-11-c-mappedname-000247|archive-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Local government==
Coulsdon was an ancient parish in the county of [[Surrey]] that included the settlements of [[Purley, London|Purley]] and [[Kenley]]. In 1894 it became part of [[Croydon Rural District]]. The population of the parish had almost doubled between 1901 and 1911.<ref>{{cite vob | population=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10091160/cube/TOT_POP | name=Coulsdon AP/CP | accessdate= 21 February 2014}}</ref> In 1915 the rural district was split up and Coulsdon was merged with [[Sanderstead]] to form the [[Coulsdon and Purley Urban District]]. In 1965 Coulsdon and Purley became part of the [[London Borough of Croydon]] in [[Greater London]].

==Localities==
Coulsdon is a largely suburban district of London. The central area has substantial industrial, automotive and distribution services. It is served by standard retail and social facilities, as well as a library and local professions of a typical town in the country. The alternate centre, Old Coulsdon, has a recreation ground/cricket pitch-focused village green, a small parade of shops and a medieval church.

===Old Coulsdon===
[[Old Coulsdon]] occupies the south-east of the district.<ref>[https://archive.today/20131020165641/http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=TQ3159 Grid square map] [[Ordnance survey]] website</ref>  Scattered, rather than clustered, are six buildings [[listed building|listed]] for their national heritage and architectural value, at Grade II. Two categories above this, in the highest class, Grade I, is the Church of St John the Evangelist. This is by the recreation ground, shortly after Marlpit Lane has been joined by Coulsdon Road, from the north. St John's is late thirteenth century with extensive later additions, made of flint and rubble with much brick patching. Its nave spans two (window) bays.  Older still is its "good" [[chancel]] of 1250 with stepped [[sedilia]] and [[piscina]]. The west tower above the entrance is of circa 1400 with corner buttresses and a tapering broach spire.  A nave at right angles, replacing the south aisle, in decorated style, was designed for its 1958 construction by J. B. S. Comper.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England|num=1188464|desc=Church of St John the Evangelist|grade=I|access-date=20 October 2013}}</ref>

===Coulsdon (Formerly Smitham Bottom or Smitham)===
In the early 19th century, the present-day location of Coulsdon was occupied by a coaching inn called the Red Lion and its associated green (Lion Green), but few other buildings. Smitham Bottom was a geographical feature in the form of a chalk valley running between the Red Lion and Purley.<ref>{{Cite web |title=View map: Davies, Benjamin Rees., Davie's map of the environs of London / (drawn and engraved by B. R. Davies). - Town Plans / Views, 1580-1919 |url=https://maps.nls.uk/view/245959371#zoom=6.4&lat=2085&lon=9473&layers=BT |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=maps.nls.uk |language=en}}</ref> The coach route between London and Brighton ran through this depression and, in 1841, the [[London and Brighton Railway]] completed construction of a railway along it.<ref name=malden/>

With the arrival of Coulsdon (now [[Coulsdon South railway station|Coulsdon South]]) railway station in 1889 and the commencement of work on the [[Cane Hill Hospital|Cane Hill]] asylum, accommodation near the site was required by workers and residential development started in the area. The village initially took the name of Smitham Bottom or Smitham.<ref>{{Cite web |title=View map: Ordnance Survey, Surrey XX.SW (includes: Caterham; Coulsdon.) - Ordnance Survey Six-inch England and Wales, 1842-1952 |url=https://maps.nls.uk/view/101436982#zoom=5.1&lat=5424&lon=1996&layers=BT |access-date=2025-11-07 |website=maps.nls.uk |language=en}}</ref> The population expanded and soon overtook that of the original settlement to the south-east. Despite strong opposition from local residents<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-29 |title=St Andrew’s History 1882-1913 |url=https://jorichardsmusic.com/st-andrews-history-1882-1913/ |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Jo Richards - 01603 960171 |language=en-GB}}</ref> the village of Smitham Bottom was officially re-named Coulsdon by the [[General Post Office|GPO]], while the older village became Old Coulsdon.<ref name="bournec" /> The former site of the Red Lion inn is currently occupied by an [[Aldi]] store.

Most retail and commerce is set beside the Brighton Road which, until 2006, also carried the [[A23 road|A23]], a major route from London to Brighton. Since 2006 the A23 bypasses the town centre and runs along the Coulsdon relief road (Farthing Way).

The soil is dry, and water was obtained even in 1912 by deep wells here in the chalk. This dry valley in the chalk has a watercourse below, the water of which until the 16th century occasionally in times of flood ran here but after this, inexplicably, waits to break out as far as at the foot of the chalk in Croydon and Beddington.<ref name="malden" />

Coulsdon has two railway stations, [[Coulsdon South railway station|Coulsdon South]] and [[Coulsdon Town railway station|Coulsdon Town]] served by both semi-fast and stopping services, giving Coulsdon a bustling, busy setting for economic life.

===The Marlpit business and industrial estate===
Marlpit (a former chalk quarry) is the town's Marlpit Industrial / Business Park estate, which is strong in storage, distribution and technology.

===The Mount or Clockhouse===
The Clockhouse Estate is a square neighbourhood on a hill plateau north of Coulsdon. It was begun in 1934 but the bulk of its development by [[Carshalton Urban District Council]] took place after the Second World War with blocks of flats built in the 1950s and 1960s. It is also known as The Mount after the central street. It is located in a cut-off corner of the [[London Borough of Sutton]], being only accessible by road through the London Borough of Croydon. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Dreams |first=Municipal |date=2022-07-19 |title=Council Housing on the London Loop: Part I |url=https://municipaldreams.wordpress.com/2022/07/19/council-housing-on-the-london-loop-part-i/ |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=Municipal Dreams |language=en}}</ref>

The [[London Loop]] Section 6 runs along its eastern edge, continuing to the Banstead Downs and East Ewell to [[Nonsuch Palace]] {{convert|4|mi}} north-west.<ref name="os">[https://archive.today/20131020165634/http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=TQ2960 Grid square map] [[Ordnance survey]] website</ref>

===Coulsdon Woods===
The Coulsdon Woods estate lies on the hillside between Byron Avenue and the railway. It was built by [[Wates Group|Wates]], with construction commencing in 1967.<ref name="bournec" />

=== Cane Hill ===
This area forms the area of the former buildings and grounds of [[Cane Hill Hospital]]; there had been proposals to expand this again in the late 1990s, but these were delayed and then cancelled.

An approved development of the former site of [[Cane Hill Hospital]] by [[Barratt Developments]] and [[David Wilson Homes]], an associated organisation, gained planning permission, and started in about 2015, with intent to create over six hundred new dwellings. In 2013, Barratt published a Public Consultation document<ref>http://www.canehillpark.co.uk/userfiles/canehill_boards/{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and report of feedback.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canehillpark.co.uk/userfiles/pdf/Cane%20Hill%20Feedback%20Report%20final.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.canehillpark.co.uk |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200212/http://www.canehillpark.co.uk/userfiles/pdf/Cane%20Hill%20Feedback%20Report%20final.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Some residents protested concerns relating to the likely effect on local infrastructure, including access routes, the proposed mix of housing, transport, notably road traffic, and the provision of educational services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/Fears-Chipstead-garrotted-traffic-650-home-Cane/story-18674878-detail/story.html#axzz2iBrY6c1K|title=Fears Chipstead will be 'garrotted' by traffic from 650-home Cane Hill development in Coulsdon|work=Surrey Mirror|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429172541/http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/Fears-Chipstead-garrotted-traffic-650-home-Cane/story-18674878-detail/story.html#axzz2iBrY6c1K|archive-date=29 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Protestors-warn-Cane-Hill-development-cause/story-19541999-detail/story.html#axzz2iBrP3UPh|archive-date=19 October 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131019181852/http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Protestors-warn-Cane-Hill-development-cause/story-19541999-detail/story.html%23axzz2iBrP3UPh|url-status=dead|title=Protestors warn Cane Hill development in Coulsdon will cause traffic chaos - Croydon Advertiser|work=Croydon Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/politics/10542007.Coulsdon_mini_town__could_leave_kids_without_a_local_school_/|title=Coulsdon mini-town 'could leave kids without a local school'|work=Your Local Guardian |last=Baynes |first=Chris |date=2013-07-11}}</ref>

In 2016 planning application approvals were finalised and the development of 677 homes on the 210-acre site was later completed in November, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cane Hill |url=https://hdawards.org/scheme/cane-hill/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=Housing Design Awards |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Inside Croydon |date=2021-10-01 |title=Barratts celebrate latest award for Cane Hill development |url=https://insidecroydon.com/2021/10/01/barratts-celebrate-latest-award-for-cane-hill-development/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=Inside Croydon |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Open spaces==
In 1883, to prevent further loss of common lands arising from the [[inclosure act]]s, the Corporation of London (under provisions of the [[Corporation of London (Open Spaces) Act 1878]]), purchased from Squire Byron (Lord of the Manor of Coulsdon) [[Farthing Downs]], Coulsdon Common and Kenley Common, to add to the earlier purchase of [[Riddlesdown Common]].<ref name="rdh" /><ref name= "col1" /> The [[London Borough of Croydon]] own and maintain several parks, including [[Happy Valley Park|Happy Valley]], which, together with Farthing Downs, is designated is a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>[http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003445.pdf Natural England, Farthing Downs and Happy Valley citation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040655/http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003445.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>

Rickman Hill Park is the highest public park in London, at 155 metres [[Above Ordnance Datum|above sea level]].

A memorial park and recreation ground was purchased from the Byrons by Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council and Hall & Co Ltd in 1920, it was opened in 1921.

The [[London Outer Orbital Path|London Loop]] footpath passes through Happy Valley and Farthing Downs between [[Hamsey Green]] and [[Banstead]]. The Coulsdon section was the first of the 24 to be opened.

Grange Park was obtained partly by Public Subscription but mostly by Coulsdon and Purley Urban District Council in 1929 from the owners of the Coulsdon Court Golf Course.  The land was sold for use as an open space or pleasure and recreation ground.  Grange Park was formerly part of Squire Byrons Coulsdon Court Estate. Grange Park is situated in a designated conservation area in the heart of Old Coulsdon and incorporates a children's play area and recreational green space. In total, Grange Park represents local green space of around 8 acres.

==Places of religious interest==
[[File:Methodist Church, Coulsdon, Surrey - geograph.org.uk - 546086.jpg|thumb|255px|Methodist Church, Coulsdon]]

Places of worship include:
* St Mary and St Shenouda  [[Coptic Orthodox Church]], which was visited by the then [[Coptic Pope]] in 2017.   
* St Andrew's [[Anglican Church|Anglican church]]. From 1914.
* St Aidan's [[Roman Catholic]] church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.st-aidans-parish.org.uk/|title=St Aidan's Catholic Parish, Coulsdon|work=st-aidans-parish.org.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308141425/http://www.st-aidans-parish.org.uk/ |archive-date=2022-03-08 |url-status=live}}</ref>  from 1964.<ref name="bournec" />
* The Brighton Road [[Methodist]] church. From 1911.<ref name="bournec">Village Histories - Coulsdon. The Bourne Society {{ISBN|0-900992-50-6}}</ref>
* Beit Hallel [[Jewish Messiah|Messianic Synagogue]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubmjc.org/beit_hallel/|title=ページが見つかりませんでした - 錦糸町のデリヘルこぼれ話|work=ubmjc.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211214812/http://www.ubmjc.org/beit_hallel/|archive-date=11 February 2007}}</ref>
* St John's [[Anglican Church|Anglican church]] (Old Coulsdon)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/st_john_s_church.htm|title=Old Coulsdon St John's Church|work=oldcoulsdon.co.uk|access-date=20 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218063848/http://oldcoulsdon.co.uk/st_john_s_church.htm|archive-date=18 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* St Mary's [[Roman Catholic]] church (Old Coulsdon)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://directory.rcsouthwark.co.uk/old_coulsdon_stmaryhoc.html|title=Southwark Parish Directory|work=rcsouthwark.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514200103/http://directory.rcsouthwark.co.uk/old_coulsdon_stmaryhoc.html |archive-date=2021-05-14 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Old Coulsdon Congregational Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/congregational_church_.htm|title=Old Coulsdon Congregational Church|author=Hugh McCullough|work=oldcoulsdon.co.uk|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521202913/http://www.oldcoulsdon.co.uk/congregational_church_.htm|archive-date=21 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.congregational.org.uk/content.aspx?id=3022 |title=Congregational Federation |access-date=20 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902224022/http://www.congregational.org.uk/content.aspx?id=3022 |archive-date=2 September 2009  }}</ref>
* Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

==Leisure==
Athletics: The Old Coulsdon [[Hash House Harriers]] (or "OCH3") is a local hashing group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.och3.org.uk|title=Old Coulsdon Hash House Harriers|work=och3.org.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405124319/http://www.och3.org.uk/ |archive-date=2022-04-05}}</ref>

[[Gordon Pirie]] (1931–1991), an English long-distance runner lived in Coulsdon and was a member of South London Harriers, one of the oldest and most successful athletics club in Britain. The club has been based in Coulsdon since 1913, and remains there to this day. The club competes in cross-country, road running and track and field events, and trains from its Coulsdon HQ three times a week. The club has been heavily involved in recent years in building an eight lane all weather running track at Woodcote School. It also has an active and successful triathlon section.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southlondonharriers.org|title=South London Harriers|work=southlondonharriers.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902110502/https://www.southlondonharriers.org/ |archive-date=2022-09-02}}</ref>

[[Bare-knuckle boxing]] fights were held at Smitham Bottom. Records exist of fights in 1788<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ejmas.com/kronos/NewHist1700-1859.htm|title=Kronos|work=ejmas.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510212355/https://ejmas.com/kronos/NewHist1700-1859.htm |archive-date=2021-05-10 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Letters My Grandfather Wrote Me: Family Origins By Bryan Crawford 2011. {{ISBN|1456788531}}</ref><ref>[[s:Jackson, John (1769-1845) (DNB00)|Jackson]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=823086&objectId=3288346&partId=1|title=British Museum - Image gallery: A representation of the famous battle at Smith in the Botton, near Croydon ... between John Jackson, & Thomas Futrell|work=British Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727093145/https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=823086&objectId=3288346&partId=1 |archive-date=2014-07-27 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Sporting Magazine - Volume 12 - Page 78</ref> and 1792.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=823071&objectId=3288373&partId=1|title=British Museum - Image gallery: Dan beating the Phillistines|work=British Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727095132/https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=823071&objectId=3288373&partId=1 |archive-date=2014-07-27 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishquarterly.org/issuearchive/articleb328.html?articleid=138|title=The Jewish Quarterly|work=jewishquarterly.org|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729000729/http://www.jewishquarterly.org/issuearchive/articleb328.html?articleid=138|archive-date=29 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Bowls]] has been played at the Marlpit Lane Recreation Ground since the 1920s. A separate team played at the Ashdown Park Hotel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcoulsdonbowlingclub.co.uk/club/history/item/90-history|title=History - Old Coulsdon Bowling Club|work=oldcoulsdonbowlingclub.co.uk|access-date=23 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809003942/http://www.oldcoulsdonbowlingclub.co.uk/club/history/item/90-history|archive-date=9 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Chess has been played from 1949.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ccfworld.com/Chess/ChessClubHome/C&P_History.htm|title= COULSDON & PURLEY CHESS CLUB - HISTORY 1949-1997|author=Ron Mattocks|date=1997|website=www.ccfworld.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801113038/https://www.ccfworld.com/Chess/ChessClubHome/C&P_History.htm |archive-date=2020-08-01 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccfworld.com/Chess/|title=CCF Chess Home Page|work=ccfworld.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328052045/https://www.ccfworld.com/Chess/ |archive-date=2022-03-28 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Old Coulsdon had one of the first [[cricket]] clubs in the world, founded in 1762. It was one of the strongest teams in the country in the late 18th and early 19th century and once boasted eight England internationals, as well as a young [[Stuart Surridge]]. The club was possibly the first to use three stumps and two bails and frequently played matches on the most famous early cricket grounds such as Mitcham, and later in Grange Park in the village. In 1995 falling player numbers forced the club to merge with the nearby Redhill Cricket Club, playing at the Ring on Earlswood Common in the [[Earlswood, Surrey|Earlswood]] neighbourhood of Redhill as ''Redhill & Old Coulsdon Cricket Club''. Cricket was originally played at 'Smitham Bottom' opposite the Red Lion. The first archived results come from a games was played in 1731 (Surrey vs East Grinstead). A 'Cricket Shed' appears in Smitham Bottom as a fixed building in a map of 1785.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/images/stories/bsimages/maps/Bainbridge-IGP1962.jpg |title=Map 1785 |access-date=23 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016020643/http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/images/stories/bsimages/maps/Bainbridge-IGP1962.jpg |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the 1880s, this area became was built over, and the club moved to Old Coulsdon. From the 1920s, cricket was played at The Memorial Gardens.

A cycling group meets at the Temperance Hotel.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Centurly A Wheel 1889-1989 |last=Rabbetts |first=Mike |url=http://www.delaunecc.org/Century%20Awheel.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203409/http://www.delaunecc.org/Century%20Awheel.pdf |archive-date=2021-06-27 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Coulsdon United F.C.|Coulsdon United]] [[association football|Football]] Club participated in the [[Combined Counties Football League|Combined Counties League]].

Golf is played at Woodcote Park Golf Club (since 1920)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.woodcotepgc.com|title=Woodcote Village|work=woodcotepgc.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711211214/https://www.woodcotepgc.com/ |archive-date=2022-07-11 |url-status=live}}</ref> and at Coulsdon Manor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccgc.co.uk|title=Coulsdon Court Golf Club|website=www.ccgc.co.uk|access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishpathe.com/video/the-lord-mayor-of-london-1/query/woodcote|title=The Lord Mayor Of London|author=British Pathé|work=britishpathe.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801093935/https://www.britishpathe.com/video/the-lord-mayor-of-london-1/query/woodcote |archive-date=2020-08-01 |url-status=live}}</ref> Green bowls is available next door.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.croydononline.org/community_information/list-fse.asp?wtT=723|title=Online communities|date=22 January 2016|website=croydononline.org|access-date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032346/http://www.croydononline.org/community_information/list-fse.asp?wtT=723 |archive-date=2015-11-17}}</ref> Ashdown Park Golf Club (now defunct) was founded in 1912. The club did not appear following WW1.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ashdown Park Golf Club |website=golfsmissinglinks.co.uk |url=http://www.golfsmissinglinks.co.uk/index.php/england/south-east/surrey/799-sur-ashdown-park-golf-club-coulsdon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514234127/https://golfsmissinglinks.co.uk/index.php/england/south-east/surrey/799-sur-ashdown-park-golf-club-coulsdon |archive-date=2021-05-14 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Horse riding is available on the downs. Coulsdon has wide and long pavements and indoor cafés from which to watch any of the London-Brighton rallies (vintage cars, minis, Land Rovers, vintage commercial vehicles, motorbikes, cycling etc.).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-to-brighton.co.uk/|title=London to Brighton - Mini Run 2015|work=london-to-brighton.co.uk|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421035624/http://www.london-to-brighton.co.uk/|archive-date=21 April 2013}}</ref>

Hunting meetings of the Old Surrey Foxhounds were held at the Red Lion from 1735 until 1908. In 1915, the hunt merged with [[Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent Hunt]].

[[Rugby Union]]: Purley John Fisher Rugby Football Club<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pjfrfc.co.uk/|title=Purley John Fisher Rugby|work=pjfrfc.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908212005/https://www.pjfrfc.co.uk/ |archive-date=2022-09-08 |url-status=live}}</ref> at Parsons Pightle, Old Coulsdon. Chipstead Rugby CLub<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chipstead.co.uk/|title=Chipstead Rugby|work=chipstead.co.uk|access-date=11 March 2010|archive-date=10 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910060521/http://www.chipstead.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref>  play locally at The Meads, Chipstead, offering mini, youth, adult social and adult league rugby.

The Coulsdon Martial Arts Club] (also known as Yoshin Ryu) is long established{{when|date=July 2022}}.  Yoshin Ryu was originally started in the late seventies as a collection of clubs based in youth centres and sports halls around the Croydon area run by founder and senior coach Errol Field, 7th [[Dan (rank)|dan]] Judo, 5th dan Karate (Shotokan), 6th dan jujitsu. Coulsdon Martial Arts is on the site of what was originally a 'tin' church built by the Roman Catholic Church in 1916.<ref name="edithd">{{cite web|url=http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com/|title=Edith's Streets|author=M|work=edithsstreets.blogspot.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623043045/http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com/ |archive-date=2022-06-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> The church building located on this site was purchased in the mid-1990s and converted into a full-time dojo and club HQ. The club president is Mr Brian Jacks  – 10th Dan Judo, Olympic Judo medallist, holder of several European and World Judo titles. His bronze medal from the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich was donated to the club and can be seen on display in the foyer.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

Theatre Workshop Coulsdon branched out of the Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation in 1970. It is based at the Coulsdon Community Centre on Chipstead Valley Road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.twcoulsdon.org.uk/history.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227223846/http://www.twcoulsdon.org.uk/history.shtml|url-status=dead|title=Theatre Workshop Coulsdon|archivedate=27 February 2014}}</ref>

The Memorial Gardens has an adventure park, crazy golf, basketball, tennis, cricket and, in the summer, 'beach games' and events organised by the café.

Grange Park in Old Coulsdon has a playground, and football pitches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://grangepark.squarespace.com/|title=Welcome|website=Friends of Grange Park, Old Coulsdon|access-date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406231455/https://grangepark.squarespace.com/ |archive-date=2018-04-06 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Rickman Hill Park hosts football, and has a children's playground and tennis courts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.croydon.gov.uk/node/3173/rickman-hill|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021200654/https://www.croydon.gov.uk/node/3173/rickman-hill|url-status=live|title= Rickman Hill |archivedate=21 October 2025}}</ref>

==Demography==

The [[United Kingdom Census 2021]] recorded that the two [[wards of the United Kingdom|wards]]: [[Coulsdon Town (ward)]] and [[Old Coulsdon (ward)]], contained respectively: 15,419 people living in 5,724 homes<ref name="Census2021CoulsdonTown"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Coulsdon Town Households |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2023_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732703,645923018,2092957699&c2021_hhcomp_15=0,1001,1002,1007&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_hhcomp_15&cols=geography,measures}}</ref> and 10,109 people living in 3,951 homes.<ref name="Census2021OldCoulsdon"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Old Coulsdon Households |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2023_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732711&c2021_hhcomp_15=0,1001,1002,1007&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_hhcomp_15&cols=geography,measures}}</ref>  The percentage of the population who declared their health as very good was 55%<ref>{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Coulsdon Town Health |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2055_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732703,645923018,2092957699&c2021_health_6=0...5&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_health_6&cols=geography,measures}}</ref> and 51%<ref>{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Old Coulsdon Health |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2055_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732711&c2021_health_6=0...5&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_health_6&cols=geography,measures}}</ref> respectively. Ethnic makeup was as follows<ref>{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Coulsdon Town Ethnic Groups |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2041_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732703,645923018,2092957699&c2021_eth_20=0,1001,1002,1003,1004,1005&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_eth_20&cols=geography,measures}}</ref>
:<ref>{{Cite web |title=NOMIS 2021 Census API Old Coulsdon Ethnic Groups |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/api/v01/dataset/NM_2041_1.data.xlsx?date=latest&geography=641732711&c2021_eth_20=0,1001,1002,1003,1004,1005&measures=20100,20301&rows=c2021_eth_20&cols=geography,measures}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ 
|-
! Ethnic Group !! Coulsdon Town Ward !! Old Coulsdon Ward
|-
| Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh|| 15.6% || 7.6%
|-
| Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African|| 10.4% || 7.5%
|-
| Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups || 6.5% || 6.7%
|-
| White || 65.2% || 76.9%
|-
| Other ethnic group || 2.3% || 1.3%
|}

==Education==
*Chipstead Valley Primary School<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chipstead.croydon.sch.uk/ |title=Home |access-date=19 May 2010 |archive-date=4 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604015040/http://www.chipstead.croydon.sch.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Coulsdon Church of England Primary School
*[[Coulsdon Sixth Form College]]
*Keston Primary School<ref>{{cite web| url = http://kestonprimary.org.uk| title = Keston Primary School – Croydon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318140936/https://www.kestonprimary.org.uk/ |archive-date=2022-03-18 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*The Lodge
*Oasis Academy Byron<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.oasisacademybyron.org| title = Oasis Academy Byron |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524061849/https://www.oasisacademybyron.org/ |archive-date=2022-05-24 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Oasis Academy Coulsdon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oasisacademycoulsdon.org/|title=Oasis Coulsdon|work=oasisacademycoulsdon.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806041409/https://www.oasisacademycoulsdon.org/|archive-date=2022-08-06 |url-status=live}}</ref> formerly known as Coulsdon High and before that as Taunton Manor.
*Smitham Primary School
*St. Aidan's R.C. Primary School
*Wattenden Primary School
*[[Woodcote High School]]
*Woodcote Primary School<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.woodcoteprimary.croydon.sch.uk/croydon/primary/woodcote| title = Woodcote Primary School - Home |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331094103/https://www.woodcoteprimary.croydon.sch.uk/croydon/primary/woodcote |archive-date=2022-03-31 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Nearest places==
*[[Banstead]]
*[[Carshalton]]
*[[Caterham]]
*[[Croydon]]
*[[Kenley]]
*[[Old Coulsdon]]
*[[Purley, London|Purley]]
* Reedham
*[[South Croydon]]
*[[Wallington, London|Wallington]]

==Railway==
1804. The [[Surrey Iron Railway]] was enhanced by the "Coulsdon Merstham & Godstone Railway". These were horsedrawn railways which carried quarried materials and crops from Coulsdon and Merstham, and returned with fuel, metals and other materials.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wandle.org/aboutus/mills/mcgowsir/mcgow5.htm|title=1 - CHAPTER 5 BUILDING THE CROYDON, MERSTHAM AND GODSTONE IRON RAILWAY|website=www.wandle.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314222118/http://www.wandle.org/aboutus/mills/mcgowsir/mcgow5.htm |archive-date=2022-03-14 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wandle.org/aboutus/mills/mcgowsir/images/13-21b.jpg|title=Image showing the route through Coulsdon|website=wandle.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728223827/http://www.wandle.org/aboutus/mills/mcgowsir/images/13-21b.jpg |archive-date=2020-07-28 |url-status=live}}</ref>
To maintain a regular elevation at Coulsdon required large changes in direction and the construction of 20&nbsp;ft embankments and a road bridge. Remnants of the 1805 railway embankment are still evident.<ref>Surrey Archeological Society. Volume 95. Article "The rise and fall of the Surrey Iron Railway, 1802-46." [http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/surreyac/]</ref><ref>A painting by G.B.Wollaston (dated 1823) of the bridge crossing the Chipstead Valley Road [http://artondemand.museumofcroydon.com/art/293361/The_Grand_Surrey_Iron_Railway] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517132437/http://artondemand.museumofcroydon.com/art/293361/The_Grand_Surrey_Iron_Railway|date=17 May 2014}}</ref> The railway closed in 1838 due to underuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wandle.org/aboutus/mills/mcgowsir/mcgow7.htm|title=CHAPTER 7 THE EARLY AND MIDDLE YEARS OF THE SURREY IRON RAILWAY|work=wandle.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314222118/http://www.wandle.org/aboutus/mills/mcgowsir/mcgow7.htm |archive-date=2022-03-14 |url-status=live}}</ref>  A bridge over the Chipstead Valley road was demolished as dangerous in 1854.<ref name="editht">{{cite web|url=http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com/2010/08/thames-tributary-wandle-bourne-coulsdon.html|title=Edith's Streets|author=M|work=edithsstreets.blogspot.co.uk|date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315143613/http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com/2010/08/thames-tributary-wandle-bourne-coulsdon.html |archive-date=2022-03-15 |url-status=live}}</ref>

1841. The [[London & Brighton Railway]] line opened.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lagump3.metrolagu.site/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517122006/http://www.canehill.info/About-Cane-Hill/Coulsdon-History|url-status=dead|title=Download Lagu Mp3, Gudang Download Lagu MP3 Terbaru Gratis 2022|archivedate=17 May 2014|website=downloadlagu}}</ref>

1856. The Caterham railway opened. Initially intended to serve residents of Old Coulsdon, a station named 'Coulsdon' opened; later to be renamed 'Kenley'.

1893. Authorisation was given for a new (second) line to be built between Purley and Kingwood. This was the Chipstead Valley Railway which was later extended to become the [[Tattenham Corner line]]. Constructed by the South Eastern Railway in 1896, it opened in 1897 as a single-track line.

1900. The main line between Croydon and Coulsdon was widened. A new (third) line was added named the [[Quarry Line]] between Coulsdon North and Earlswood (bypassing Redhill). Constructed 1898–9. The line involved engineering work including cuttings, embankments and a covered way at Cane Hill Hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purley-residents.org/TDE_CMS/database/userfiles/file/Purley%27s%2520Railways.pdf+&cd=130&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk|title=Purley Residents|website=purley-residents.org|access-date=6 April 2018}}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

1923. Various station names changes, following amalgamations between various Railway companies.

Railway stations' names:
* Stoats Nest (1841–1856). Located over 500 yards to the north of the current stations. Closed December 1856. On the London-Brighton line.<ref name="cr5a" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcrailwayguide.co.uk/bridge/VTB2.81.1|title=Stoats Nest Road|author=Good Stuff IT Services|work=ABC Railway Guide|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040447/http://www.abcrailwayguide.co.uk/bridge/VTB2.81.1|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{Stnlnk|Coulsdon South}}. Named 'Coulsdon' (1889), 'Coulsdon and Cane Hill' (1896), 'Coulsdon East' (1923), 'Coulsdon South' (1929). Located on the original [[London and Brighton Railway]].<ref name="cr5a">{{cite web|url=http://content.yudu.com/Library/A27l62/CR5Issue97June2013/resources/86.htm|title=CR5 Issue 97 June 2013|work=yudu.com}}</ref>
*[[Coulsdon North railway station|Coulsdon North]]. Named 'Stoats Nest and Cane Hill' (1899–1910) or simply 'Stoats Nest'{{Citation needed|date=September 2022|reason=Previously cited [[:commons:File:LB and SCRly map 204]], but that has now been removed from commons}} and replaced the earlier 'Stoats Nest Station', which was further north, 'Coulsdon and Smitham Downs' (1911), 'Coulsdon West' (1923), 'Coulsdon North' (later in 1923). The station closed in 1983. It was on the [[Quarry Line]] and included terminal platforms and sidings.<ref name="editht" />
*{{Stnlnk|Coulsdon Town}}. Named 'Smitham' (1904), 'Coulsdon' (2010),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/27-smitham-railway-station-coulsdon.html|title=Plaque 27 - Smitham Station|work=bournesociety.org.uk|access-date=15 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517151401/http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/27-smitham-railway-station-coulsdon.html|archive-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> 'Coulsdon Town' (2011).  On the [[Tattenham Corner line]].<ref name="editht" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/news/southern/2011-so-long-smitham.html|title=So Long, Smitham!|work=southernelectric.org.uk|access-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930083909/http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/news/southern/2011-so-long-smitham.html|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{Stnlnk|Reedham (Surrey)}}. Named 'Reedham Halt' (1911), 'Reedham (Surrey)' (1980).  On the [[Tattenham Corner line]].
* {{Stnlnk|Kenley}}. Named "Coulsdon" (1856), it was intended to serve the residents of Old Coulsdon. The station was shortly renamed as "Kenley". On the [[Caterham Line]].
*{{Stnlnk|Woodmansterne}}. Opened in 1932, meeting the demand from new housing in the area. On the [[Tattenham Corner line]].<ref name="edithl">{{cite web|url=http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com/2009/08/londonsurrey-boundary-chipstead-valley.html|title=Edith's Streets|author=M|work=edithsstreets.blogspot.co.uk|date=29 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330054843/http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com/2009/08/londonsurrey-boundary-chipstead-valley.html |archive-date=2022-03-30 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://www.thecwra.co.uk/ Coulsdon West Residents' Association]
*[http://www.cr5.co.uk Coulsdon Community website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120110173640/http://www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/5-coulsdon.html History of the village of Coulsdon]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050411185749/http://www.coulsdontcis.co.uk/content/project/project.htm Coulsdon relief road scheme].
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050205094232/http://oldcoulsdon.co.uk/index.htm The village of Old Coulsdon]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070211214812/http://www.ubmjc.org/beit_hallel/ Beit Hallel Messianic Synagogue]

{{LB Croydon}}
{{London Outer Orbital Path | locale=Coulsdon | forward=[[Banstead]] | back=[[Hamsey Green]] | A=5 | B=6}}
{{Areas of London}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Districts of the London Borough of Croydon]]
[[Category:Areas of London]]
[[Category:District centres of London]]