On 27th October 1809, the Croydon Canal was formally opened.  Barges could carry coal, building materials, food and other supplies between London and Croydon, by way of Forest Hill and Sydenham.  The Croydon Canal was the beginning of a process that over the next 90 years would transform our area from a few isolated, sparsely populated hamlets, largely dependant on farming, into the inner London suburb we know today.  

Amazing developments in the Forest Hill Pools saga.  Following the impressive 'Keep Swimming in Forest Hill' campaign, led by Sydenham Society executive member Tim Walder, it seems that swimming pools on the Dartmouth Road site AND retaining the historic streetscape WILL be possible - an option which the whole community will surely be able to unite behind, and which, had it been recognised from the outset, might have meant the new pools were already on the way!  For more, here is Tim's recent letter to Sir Steve: