History
The Croydon Canal opened on 22nd October 1809 and ran from a junction with the Grand Surrey Canal near new Cross Gate to a basin which was situated on a site now occupied by West Croydon station and an adjoining bus station. With 28 locks grouped into two flights, and numerous swing bridges, the canal linked the Thames to Croydon via Forest Hill, Sydenham, and Anerley. It was a financial failure, the £100 shares falling in value to just two shillings in 1830. The proprietors realised that the coming of the railways was an opportunity not to be missed, and they sold the canal for use as the course of a railway. It closed on 22nd August 1836. Today if you take the stopping train from London Bridge to West Croydon you will follow the route, for much of the way, of the Croydon Canal. There is little trace of it left - only a few remnants remain.
The route of the canal can be viewed in a modern context using Google Maps. See Will's Croydon Canal Google Map.
