The Webb Estate

The Webb Estate is unique in the Croydon area in that it was designed and built to one man's vision. William Webb (1862-1930) wanted to create a Garden Village in the suburbs, for people who worked in the city.

"Those who work their brains at full speed during business hours require more than the rest that is obtained from sleep at night; their minds and nerves require the refreshment that is derived from beautiful surroundings, and from sights, sounds and scents which by their nature and from association are restful"

he wrote in his book Garden First in Land Development (1919)

Webb purchased a 260-acre site to the west of Purley centre in 1888, and for the next thirty years set about creating a village in which buildings, gardens and even the roads themselves were carefully and distinctively designed and constructed to a high physical and aesthetic standard.

Stringent covenants have made sure that the estate has kept most of its character intact and the whole estate is now a Conservation Area.

Photo of the Webb Estate

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Tuesday, 13 May, 2008

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