Kenley
Kenley is a district in the south of the London Borough of Croydon (in times past in Surrey). Kenley is located 13 miles south of Charing Cross. Significant areas of Kenley lie within the Metropolitan Green Belt. Specifically, the south of Kenley is dominated by the open green areas of Kenley Common and Kenley Aerodrome. The 2011 census showed Kenley having a population of 14,966. For centuries, Kenley was part of Coulsdon Manor which covered all of the area and was largely farm land, with a couple of large homes and their estates. The formal opening of the railway on 4 August 1856 completely transformed Kenley. The brand-new railway triggered urban development. By the end of the Victorian era, Kenley had actually acquired its own identity. Kenley Common makes up fifty-six hectares of green open space surrounding a previous Battle of Britain airfield. It is a blend of chalk grassland and ancient forest set within gently rolling hills. Blessed with fine views across the Caterham valley and the North Downs beyond, visitors find it hard to believe that the centre of London is just 14 miles to the north. Just one of Kenley's landmark structures is the Memorial Hall. It was opened in 1922 to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in World War I. It was consequently extended and re-opened by Group Captain Douglas Bader in 1975. Hammond Innes' book Attack Alarm was based upon his experiences as a Royal Artillery anti-aircraft gunner at RAF Kenley during the Battle of Britain. It contains graphic descriptions of the station and attacks on it in 1940. English Heritage defined Kenley as the "most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived". For all your home enhancements, make sure to find trustworthy contractors in Kenley to make certain of quality.