IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Harding Close, CROYDON, CR0 5QZ

After leaving the Sandilands stop, cars for New Addington turn sharp right at the bottom of the slope to access an old railway formation where a tunnel, or more accutrately three short tunnels very close together, will take them to the next stop at Lloyd Park.

Tram approaching Sandilands junction. In the distance can be seen the tunnel on the line to New Addington.

A tram leaving Sandilands tunnel, and taking the sharp left bend to Sandilands tram stop. The tunnel previously carried the Woodside to Sanderstead railway line, which carried straight on here rather than bending sharply to head into Croydon. The railway line closed in 1983, the tram system opened 17 years later.

The railway line from Beckenham via Woodside to Addiscombe Road Croydon was opened on 1st April 1864. In 1885, a line opened from Woodside to South Croydon and after that Addiscombe (as it eventually became after 1955) was on the end of a branch from Woodside. The Woodside & South Croydon Line was closed in 1983, but by 2000 it was in use again as far as Coombe Road as a route for Tramlink. This view is from Addiscombe Road and whereas previously trains on the old line carried straight on ahead, trams from Beckenham Junction or Elmers End make a sharp right turn to Sandilands and on to Croydon. Beyond the curve is another sharp bend where trams to and from New Addington access the old Woodside & South Croydon Line again and pass through an impressive set of tunnels, the northern portal of which can just be glimpsed in the distance. The further curve was the scene of the Croydon Tramlink accident on 9th November 2016 when seven passengers were killed.

A very pleasant road with excellent detached houses, giving access at the far end to Lloyd Park as well as several sports clubs. At least one former Croydon MP has had his home on this road.

Until the late 1960s the west side of Radcliffe Road was occupied by substantial houses with large gardens and mature trees, while now there are maisonettes and side streets. A curious feature was the unmade footpaths at the side of the road, going back to its origins as a private road, which could be closed off from Addiscombe Road by a pair of large wooden gates. This lack of pavements remains, which is most strange. This was the house of the photographer, my grandfather, whose immediate family moved from the house in 1966 (a SOLD sign can be seen at the front gate). Harold J. Thomas was a prolific amateur photographer, and I am sure that it is this memory from childhood and the hours spent in his darkroom at this house that has drawn me through a photographic obsession to Geograph today. My first camera (Kodak Brownie 127) was a Christmas present from him a year or two from the date of this image.

The railway line from Beckenham via Woodside to Addiscombe Road Croydon was opened on 1st April 1864. In 1885, a line opened from Woodside to South Croydon and after that Addiscombe (as it eventually became after 1955) was on the end of a branch from Woodside. The Woodside & South Croydon Line was closed in 1983, but by 2000 it was in use again as far as Coombe Road as a route for Tramlink. This view is from Addiscombe Road and whereas previously trains on the old line carried straight on ahead, trams from Beckenham Junction or Elmers End make a sharp right turn to Sandilands and on to Croydon. One is seen here following that route. Beyond the curve is another sharp bend where trams to and from New Addington access the old Woodside & South Croydon Line again and pass through an impressive set of tunnels, the northern portal of which can just be glimpsed in the distance. The further curve was the scene of the Croydon Tramlink accident on 9th November 2016 when seven passengers were killed. See https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2528911 for a clearer view.

Radcliffe Road seen under snowy conditions (see also Image) at Christmas 1963, and presenting a tree-lined aspect that endures today. Houses on the east side of the road are little changed, but maisonettes occupy much of the west side today, replacing larger houses with extensive gardens. Image from the collection of my late grandfather, who lived here.

The junction, at Sandilands, where lines from New Addington and Elmers End/Beckenham Junction meet. The tram is at the location of the derailment, on 9th November 2016, which resulted in the loss of seven lives.

Seen from the junction with Sandilands, Fitzjames Avenue is one of the roads that constitute the upmarket Whitgift Foundation Estate. The houses on the right back on to Trinity School's playing field.