Old records mostly wrote about men: kings, lords and priests. That doesn't mean women weren't here! These are women connected to Croydon that we know about. Can you find out about more?
JA
Jane Austen
Wrote about Croydon
In her unfinished novel The Watsons (written about 1803–1805), the heroine, Emma Watson, has a brother and sister-in-law who live in Croydon.
PB
Priscilla Susan Bury
1799–1872
Lived here
A botanist and illustrator. By 1866 she was living at Fairfield, Thornton Heath, in Croydon.
CB
Cicely Mary Barker
1895–1973
Born here
The illustrator who created the Flower Fairies. She was born in Croydon, and at 16 became the youngest person ever made a life member of the Croydon Art Society.
AJ
Amy Johnson
Flew from here
A pilot. On 5 May 1930 she took off from Croydon Airport for her record-breaking flight to Australia.
SC
Shirley Cawley
born 1932
Born here
An athlete who won bronze in the long jump at the 1952 Olympics. She was born in Croydon and ran for the Croydon Harriers.
KM
Kirsty MacColl
1959–2000
Born here
A singer and songwriter, known for 'There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis'. She was born in Croydon and grew up in Selsdon.
TE
Tracey Emin
born 1963
Born here
An artist known for autobiographical and confessional work in drawing, painting, sculpture, film and neon text. She was born in Croydon, and was elected a Royal Academician in 2016.
RK
Rachel Khoo
born 1980
Born here
A cook, author and broadcaster, known for her book and BBC series The Little Paris Kitchen. She was born in Croydon.
LL
Leona Lewis
born 1985
Went to school here
A singer, songwriter and actress who won The X Factor in 2006. She went to the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in Croydon.
E
Queen Elizabeth II
1926–2022
Unveiled a plaque
On 21 June 1983 she visited the almshouses and unveiled a plaque celebrating their newly finished reconstruction.
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From 1889 to 2025, the buildings of the archbishops' old Croydon Palace were home to Old Palace School, an independent girls' school.