Picture this a sprawling green space a triangular haven in the heart of Woodside. This is Woodside Green a place steeped in history. For centuries Woodside existed as largely agricultural land. Its heavy clay soil however proved challenging for farming. Local farmer William Marshall documented his struggles in the 1780s. The clay though unexpectedly fostered a thriving brick-making industry by the 1850s.
Handley’s brickworks once dominated Woodside’s landscape. Its iconic chimneys were visible for miles around. A distinctive hooter signaled work breaks echoing throughout the neighbourhood. Handley’s eventually became part of Ready Mixed Concrete before finally closing in 1974. The site transformed into Brickfields Meadow a park with woods and a lake. This park is a testament to Woodside’s industrial past. It showcases the area’s ability to adapt and reinvent itself.
Woodside Green itself boasts a rich history. An indenture from 1662 mentions “land lying up on a green called Woodside Green”. The Croydon Inclosure Map of 1800 further confirms its existence. In 1871 the Ecclesiastical Commissioners granted Woodside Green to Croydon’s Local Board of Health. The condition was simple: Woodside Green must remain forever an open space for public recreation. This deed ensured the green’s preservation for future generations.
The green’s history goes beyond its legal protection. Mature plane trees offer shade on sunny days. Benches beneath them provide perfect spots for relaxation. A stone horse- and cattle-trough although no longer used for livestock remains a charming relic. A 1905 postcard depicts the green with The Joiners Arms pub Woodside News Agency and a bakery. The scene captures the lively village atmosphere of Woodside Green.
Today Woodside is a suburban district. Residential streets radiate from Woodside Green. The green itself retains its village feel. Old houses and cottages stand alongside newer flats. The Joiner’s Arms remains a local pub while The Beehive sadly closed in 2017. The area is well connected with the Woodside tram stop nearby. Woodside’s past and present blend harmoniously. Its history of brickmaking and its green space are integral to Woodside’s identity. The area is a charming blend of old and new a testament to its enduring appeal.