OCA – Croydon Minster

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Today was another of the always-interesting cultural days out, thanks to my old School – Selhurst Grammar School for Boys and the Old Croydonians’ Association – and their organised events for Members. This time, it was a conducted tour around the famous Croydon Minster.

We set off from home just before 9.20 and took the short drive over the Huntingdon Station. The benefit of using Huntingdon over Kettering used to be the cheaper parking, cheaper rail tickets, and a more direct journey. These days, not so much, as the off-peak parking option has now disappeared; the prices are not quite as competitive, but at least we can still complete the journey without having to change trains! It’s also still quicker than attempting to take the car!

It was a straightforward journey, and we rolled into East Croydon Station in good time, just before midday. Finding the appropriate exit, however, continued to prove challenging for me (this is the third time I’ve ended up leaving by the ‘wrong’ exit, all requiring some extra unnecessary walking!) I know, tough life, ehh? 😁

We were especially looking forward to this one, where, on arrival, our Tour Guide, David Morgan, made us all feel very welcome!

These cultural days out are turning out to be very enjoyable, and we’re building up quite a list, thanks to the late Bob Smith and now John Wade‘s hard work in planning them in advance.

Backstage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (May 2026)
St Bride’s Church (February 2026)
Fulham Palace (September 2025)
Hidden Greenwich (September 2024)
Backstage at the National Theatre (February 2024) – we missed that one!
Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House (October 2023)

Back in the day, Croydon Minster was simply known as Croydon Parish Church and was a frequent venue for a range of school-related events. These days, although Croydon has never quite made it to city status, it hasn’t stopped them from rebranding it – and the name has stuck ever since! The last time I was around this area was when I made an emotional visit to the closing of the first Sainsbury’s I worked at, just up the road in the Whitgift Centre, and it was good to see some significant ‘sprucing up’ of the area around the Minster itself. Apparently, they are going to uplight the Minster – that will surely look amazing! 👍

Just another ‘Church’? Maybe, but there are SIX Archbishops of Canterbury buried here! 🤔. Who knew!?

Given the number of times that I’d been there, I was surprised how much I didn’t know (or more likely ‘forgotten’) based on the information that David shared with us all today.

It was one of those tours where there was an ‘oo, I didn’t know that’ at every turn, and the 60 minutes was over far too soon.

From ‘Chilled out Archbishops’, ‘Eagles with a secret function’ and the sight of ‘two soldiers in an important location’, the term ‘every day a school day’ took on extra significance today!

It was also beautiful inside, but if I have one criticism, it’s that it could have done with being better lit, as some of the interesting and important items on display were difficult to study.

By 3.30, it was all over. I eventually managed to get the shot I was aiming for of Cortland, Roger, Valerie and me – all in one place at the same time – and that’s a rare treat these days! 😁

After saying our goodbyes, Ann and I took the slightly soggy walk to the closest tram stop. Someone was smiling on us, and we were soon onboard, heading for East Croydon, where the Tram came into its own, avoiding the cars (and buses!) already stuck in the traffic jam from West Croydon right through to East Croydon.

Platform 2 at East Croydon beckoned, where just a few minutes later, we were soon seated and Huntingdon-bound! We were indoors just after 6pm, reflecting on what had been another fascinating day! 😀😀

Thanks, Old Croydonians! Roll on the next one! 👍