Croydon, St John the Baptist
Address: Church Street, Croydon.
Map Ref: TQ319655
12 Bells (+2) • Tenor 36¾ cwt.
Sunday Service Ringing: 9.15 - 10.00 am & 5.50 - 6.30 pm (Phone to confirm)
Practice: Tuesday 8.00 - 9.30 pm
The main entrance is through the West Door which fronts onto the paved area in front of the Church. Inside is a door in the base of the West Tower giving access to the first floor ringing chamber.
This tower has its own web site.
History
The church is situated to the West of the present bustling shopping and business centre, the imposing tower can be clearly seen alongside the new dual carriageway. Gilbert Scott largely rebuilt the present building, the largest parish church in Surrey, after the disastrous fire of 1867, which destroyed all, but the tower and outer walls. Inside are monuments to Queen Elizabeth l’s Archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift (1604) and Archbishop Sheldon (1677). There is also a fine big pre-Reformation brass lectern. The present ring of 12 bells were all cast, tuned and hung by Gillett and Johnston of Croydon in 1936. In 1946 a flat 6th was added and in 1978 an extra Treble.
Transport
By Road: The church is highly visible to the east of the A236 (Purley - Mitcham road) and signposted ‘Parish Church’. Care is necessary navigating the one-way system. By arrangement, some parking is available on Church property. The Croydon area is otherwise ‘controlled’ 7 days a week, together with a ‘Tow Away’ policy. Designated bays are available in the local roads (some adjoining the church) with ‘pay meters’. The alternatives are clearly signposted Multi Storey parks.
By Bus: Routes 157, 264, 407, 410 and 455 all stop close to, or at Reeves Corner. The 726 stops at West Croydon adjoining the station with 7-minute walk back to the church.
By Train: To East Croydon station from London Bridge or Victoria. Use Tramlink to Church Street or 10 minute walk. Alternatively to West Croydon station from Victoria or London Bridge. Follow the tram route down to Reeves Corner with St. John’s in view (7 minutes).
By Tram: From Wimbledon - alight at Reeves Corner. Also from Beckenham, Elmers End and New Addington but alight at Church Street.
Facilities
Toilets opposite the belfry entrance, in the vestibule of the church.
Ringers have patronised a number of local pubs, the nearest being The Rose and Crown across the road from the church. There are others in the immediate area as well as numerous chain and fast-food eating outlets in the shopping area.