The rapid development of London means there are plenty of interesting historical things to see. You can find them in almost every part of the city, including hallmarks of different eras. In Croydon, one of the most interesting is the old water tower. We want to have a closer look at it today. Then, if you need help with assets and want guaranteed rent in Croydon, you can rely on us.

Development

The water tower stands on land that was formerly part of Croydon Palace. As the area was developing, the local health board put a plan in place to protect the water supply and improve health in the wake of a cholera pandemic. Initially, they built a reservoir on a one acre piece of land. There was also a circular brick tank for water on top of the hill, opening in 1851.

Originally the reservoir and tank had enough capacity to supply the local area with water for 18 days. At this point the population was around 20,000. However, the rapid development of Croydon meant it was quickly unable to meet demand. Within just a handful of years it only had enough water to provide a supply for 2 days. By 1861 the population was over 30,000 and a rethink was necessary.

Plans were soon in place to increase the capacity. As part of this, a tall water tower was built in 1867. It has an interesting design, with the Norman architecture making it look like a castle. At slightly over 28m tall, it became one of the most recognisable buildings in the area.

Redundancy

The water tower was vital to Croydon’s water supply for the next two decades. However, the population continued to rapidly increase. In 1888 a bigger reservoir was built nearby. Ultimately it meant the tower was redundant and closed in 1923. At that time there were over 220,000 people living in the area. The original reservoir was filled in 1971.

While it no longer served to supply water, the tower was still a vital part of the landscape and an interesting piece of history. Sadly, it has been closed for over a century now. In that time there has been some deterioration of the structure. In 2016 engineers found cracks, but they don’t threaten the integrity. As a result, work is currently ongoing to repair and retain the tower.

Do you want guaranteed rent in Croydon?

The water tower is just one of the impressive structures in Croydon. There are plenty of others, including period homes as well as newer builds. The selection makes it a good location for investors. They can choose properties in areas where demand is reasonably high, including spots with great amenities and transport links into Central London.

If you invest and want some help, you can find it with us. We provide a variety of services, but have built our reputation by offering the best guaranteed rent in Croydon and other parts of London. It is a reliable service and can cater for all kinds of needs.

So, get in touch if you want any advice.