Did you know that...
The meaning of Purley is “riverside where snipe and bittern live”. John de Purley managed a medieval farm that belonged to the Huscarle and Carew families. The farm and surrounding area took his name. Alternate spellings include Pirley and Purle. Urban development started in 1920. The green surroundings and ample building space attracted many residents. Promenade de Verdun is one of the notable roads in the CR8 area. The Lombardy poplars that line the road grow in a mix of local and French soil. The soil was shipped from the Armentières region in France to honor the French soldiers who died in World War I.
The Royal Air Force Station Kinley is located in this part of South West London. It was one of the primary stations for London’s air defense in World War II. Together with two other stations, RAF Kinley had a key role in defeating the German aviation. It is no longer in use but it’s one of the best preserved fighter stations and a conservation area. Angels One Five and Reach for the Sky movies have been shot here. Well-known pilots associated with the aerodrome include Sailor Malan, C.W.A. Scott who won the MacRobertson Air Race, JE Johnson, and Arthur Gerald Donahue who was among the seven US pilots who took part in the Battle of Britain.
Singer Jay Aston of the British pop group Bucks Fizz, magician Derren Brown, actor Nigel Harman who played in EastEnders, singer Martin Lee of the pop group Brotherhood of Man, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds University Michael Arthur, and actress Shelagh Fraser who played Luke’s aunt Beru in Star Wars are some of the most famous people who were born in Purley. Notable residents include lead singer of Status Quo Francis Rossi, businessman Ron Noades associated with Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, and Brentford football clubs, and actress June Brown who played in EastEnders.
