Duppas Hill

Duppas Hill is a park and residential area in Waddon, near Croydon in Greater London. The site has been used for sport and recreation for centuries. In medieval times jousting took place there, and Lord William de Warenne was killed during a joust in 1286. The hill was also home to Croydon Cricket Club in the 18th century, with the earliest recorded match in 1707. The site has strong links to Croydon’s social history. It was the location of the town’s first workhouse, built in 1726 after the Vestry of Croydon decided to erect it on the hill. The workhouse later became part of the Croydon Poor Law Union in 1836 before moving to Thornton Heath in 1866. The infirmary remained until 1885, when a new hospital was established nearby. Today the park remains a place for public recreation. It was opened as Croydon’s first recreation ground in 1865, featuring paths, a bandstand, pavilion and drinking fountain. The park has hosted public celebrations, firework displays and even a baseball match between American and Canadian soldiers during World War II. Football and cricket are still played there, and part of the site was once used as a school before being redeveloped.