The Best Guide for the CR0 Area

OPENING DOORS TO CROYDON'S PAST AND PRESENT

Residents and visitors to the borough will be able to explore the inner depths of buildings many of which are not normally accessible to the public and ranging in date from the 11th century up to the present day.

Highlights will include:
• Croydon Palace - the Grade I listed manor house which was a former residence to the Archbishops of Canterbury from the 13th to the 18th century.
• Shirley Windmill - Croydon's only surviving windmill, built in the mid 1850s.
• Taberner House - 19 storey council administrative tower built in the 1960s. 19th floor viewing gallery provides amazing views over London and the South East. Urban design and planning officers will be available to answer questions.
• Church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin - dating back to the 11th century this church is the burial site of five former Archbishops of Canterbury.
• Heavers Farm Primary School - first opened in 1972 and rebuilt in 1997, the glass and steel structure is designed in the form of an open book.

A walking tour, Welcome to SuperCroydon, will also take place on Sunday 16. The tour will trace Croydon's history after the Second World War when it changed from a small market town on the outskirts of London to the 21st century super suburb it has become today.

Councillor Steve Hollands, cabinet member for culture and sport said: "This weekend offers a fantastic chance to delve into Croydon's wonderful and varied architecture, at close range. Many of these buildings are normally not accessible to the general public but for one weekend in the year they open their doors so I would urge everyone to take advantage and enjoy a fun, interesting and free day out."

Access to all buildings and walks is free. The 2007 Open House London guide is available, free of charge from borough libraries and includes details such as dates, times, entry and access arrangements.

Further information can also be found by visiting www.openhouse.org.uk or telephoning the hotline 09001 600 061. Calls will be charged at 60p per minute.