The White Cliffs of Croydon

Croydon is humorously positioned as the underappreciated counterpart to the celebrated White Cliffs of Dover, with the so-called 'White Cliffs of Croydon' stemming from a disused quarry that, when viewed from a specific angle, resembles Dover's iconic cliffs. This local curiosity challenges the negative perceptions of Croydon, often labeled a 'shithole,' emphasized by famous figures like David Bowie, who disparaged it in his remarks. Despite its reputation, historical context reveals that Croydon was once a summer residence for the Archbishop of Canterbury and a glamorous destination for early 20th-century celebrities like Babe Ruth and Charlie Chaplin. The conversation illustrates how Croydon's historical significance and unique features can be overlooked or misrepresented.