How London-Heathrow usurped Croydon Airport’s aviation crown | Airlines

The London borough of Croydon is known for being the most populated area of the capital of the United Kingdom (UK). In a past life, though, the area’s pivotal role in aviation brought it to the world’s attention.

Originally a town in the county of Surrey, Croydon was officially swallowed up by the London sprawl in 1965. Before then, its proximity to the capital put it in a perfect position to host the UK’s first major international airport.

But how was it that an unassuming town in the English countryside was able to become the central link between Britain and the international world – and having reached the top, why did it ultimately fall from grace to be surpassed by the beast that is London-Heathrow Airport (LHR)?

Humble beginnings

Croydon Airport began life as in 1915 as Beddington Aerodrome, a World War One airfield originally developed for emergency military aircraft landings but later adapted to counter German Zeppelin airship raids.

According to the Historic Croydon Airport website, which is run by the charity Historic Croydon Airport Trust, Beddington was one of ten aerodromes scattered around London, including Hounslow and Biggin Hill.

As World War I went on, Beddington Aerodrome played an increasingly prominent role, with the establishment of a new Royal Flying Corp Squadron being based there as part of the UK’s…