Croydon: History of House, Garden and Railway

Croydon’s history can be explored through three distinct traces: preserved remnants of a house and garden at Bell Reserve, railway structures at Croydon Railway Station, and the Shubra Hall estate. Together, they tell the story of a building and its garden, the expansion of the rail network, and the design of a historic estate. Travellers who enjoy placing buildings and objects from everyday life in their wider context will find specific themes to explore here. This cultural dimension may help when choosing holiday accommodation in Croydon: first consider whether you are most interested in the history of houses and gardens, railways, or the development of an estate.

House and Garden History at Bell Reserve

The “Balmoral” building was demolished in September 2019; Bell Reserve was established in 2021 and opened for community use. The original trees from Betty’s garden, along with the house’s original front brick wall and gates, have been preserved at Bell Reserve. Also preserved are the door knocker, house numbers and a wash tub; plant pots from Betty’s garden are among the surviving items as well. Betty Bell bequeathed Bell Reserve to the Council for use as public open space.

The combination of large structural elements and smaller objects makes the history tangible at different scales: it extends from the former house to the things of daily life and traces of the garden. The wall and gates point to the house; the door knocker and house numbers offer concrete clues to its history, while the trees and plant pots bring Betty’s garden into the picture.

Railway Structures and Suburban Development

Railway structures from two phases of expansion have been preserved at Croydon Railway Station: the line’s expansion to four tracks in 1892 and to six tracks in 1927. The numbers make the technical change tangible: four-track and six-track refer to the number of tracks in each phase of expansion. The surviving structures illustrate the expansion of the rail network in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This expansion supported suburban development along the line and to its west. Compared with Bell Reserve, the focus shifts from traces of a house and garden to a broader history of infrastructure and its role in the suburb.

Shubra Hall: Garden, Stables and Harbour Views

Shubra Hall occupies an elevated position; some views of the harbour remain from the tower. The estate retains its connection to the surviving stables and a garden design featuring elements from the late 19th century to the present day. This distinguishes Shubra Hall from Bell Reserve: its garden design spans different periods, while the reserve is shaped by surviving parts of a house and garden. The tower’s harbour views add a landscape dimension to the estate’s history.

Discover Croydon’s History Together

For families who enjoy discussing local history through concrete details, the three themes can prompt different conversations: Which objects from the house and garden have survived? What does the expansion from four to six tracks tell us about the rail network? And what period does Shubra Hall’s garden design cover? These stories range from everyday objects to infrastructure and a historic garden. Travellers choosing Croydon as a destination based on their cultural interests can take these different themes into account when planning their trip.

Discover More Destinations

Umina Beach, Moorebank, Clareville, Smiths Lake, Rankins Springs, East Lynne, Silverton and Yarrahapinni

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.