“Addiscombe East is where Ashburton Ward used to be.” That’s a snippet of local knowledge you might overhear around here. Ashburton Ward, as it was known, held its place in the London Borough of Croydon. It existed until 2018.
Ashburton Ward included the Ashburton area. It also covered the main retail area of Addiscombe. Stroud Green, Tollgate, and Longheath Garden estates also fell within its boundaries. Plus, it took in large parts of northern Shirley.
In 2011, the population of Ashburton Ward stood at 14,721. Ashburton was part of the Croydon Central constituency. It was known as one of the most marginal in the country. The 2015 General Election saw a mere 165 votes separate the Conservatives and Labour.
Every four years, Ashburton Ward elected three councillors to Croydon Council. The 2014 London local elections saw Maddie Henson, Stephen Mann, and Andrew Rendle elected. They all represented the Labour Party. Their victory marked a 9% swing.
Ashburton got its name from Ashburton House. It was one of the three big houses in the Addiscombe area. Ashburton Park sits on the site of Stroud Green House. Later, this became a boys’ home and convent. The old Ashburton Library was once housed in the convent’s chapel and dormitory. Today, the library is part of the Ashburton Learning Village. It’s just around the corner.
Back in 1866, part of Stroud Green Farm gained a peculiar claim to fame. It was leased as a race course. For years, crowds flocked to the area on race days. Woodside railway station opened in 1871. It owes its existence to these racing crowds. The station was built so horses could arrive by rail. The race course closed in 1890. However, the station remained open until trams arrived.
In 2005, the Ashburton Learning Village opened. It stands on the site of the old A Block of a secondary school. Inside, you’ll find the Ashburton Library, Oasis Academy Shirley Park. There are also rooms for adult learning and public and private clubs. The center includes a car park and sports facilities. Its design is eco-friendly. Some say it’s shaped like it’s holding a swimming pool.
But there’s a twist in the tale of Ashburton Hall. After a million-pound makeover, the council had an agreement with a private education operator to run the venue. Just weeks before reopening, the operator walked away. It was intended that Ashburton Hall would be open for community hire. It would also have a café. Nisai, an education services provider, was meant to manage it. Nisai pulled out, and the council sought new operators.
So, while Ashburton Ward may no longer exist in name, its story lives on. It’s a story of houses, parks, races, and a learning village. It is also a story of political shifts and community hopes.