Address 1 Campbell Rd, Croydon CR0 2SQ
Not much is known about this particular church on the corner of Campbell Road. It’s quite a gothic and imposing church with a very prominent clock tower (as seen in the photos).
After doing some research about this particular church I could only find a very small handful of information:
The building is a Grade II listed building. It was first listed on the National Heritage List for England on 13th Dec 1972 (List Entry Number 1079294).
It used to be the West Croydon United Reformed Church (that still seems to be the list entry name) however at some point it turned into the Croydon Life Tabernacle Church.
In none of the photos during my research have I seen this clock working. If you take a look on Google Maps you can see that the clock face still shows 9pm even way back in 2008. Quite a long time to be broken.
The hands have since corroded/oxidised as well as the glazed glass dials being extremely dirty.
As of March 2025 one of the dials have actually been smashed in. I am not sure why this is the case however this can also be seen on Google Maps.
I have been in contact with the current owners about potentially visiting the mechanism and received this response:
“Dear Joshua
Thank you for your email to Life Tabernacle Church.
I am very happy to hear from you as I am also very interested in our clock.
As you have observed the clock is not currently working however subject to budget it is our intention to restore the clock.
We have had a report from a clock builder about restoration, and it will cost a lot of money, but we hope to save money to have a working clock in the future.
I have had the opportunity to go up to see the clock mechanism and sadly the bells were sold by the previous owners and are no longer there. Replacing bells is very expensive and we will probably opt for electronic bells.
In addition to that much of the clock mechanism had deteriorated beyond being recognisable.
But by far the biggest problem in the tower is pigeons. The infestation is very bad, and the level of pigeon droppings makes it impossible for any viewing currently.
Nevertheless, your interest is noted, and you are welcome to write again in a years’ time to see how well we are doing.
All the best with your future and I hope you continue on the path towards your interest in clocks.
Many thanks
Rev Anthony”
I’m very happy to know that restoring the clock is in mind for the new owners. It is incredibly beautiful and one of the clocks that I do really really like in the area.
It is a shame that the bells had been removed, I’m sure it would have had a very deep chime indeed.
Whilst the clock mechanism has been ‘deteriorated beyond being recognisable’ I can’t help but wonder what it actually looks like. Hopefully its not turned completely into dust!
I will update this page on any updates I receive as this is definitely an interesting one to follow.
If you ever get to go to Croydon please do pass by this church, it is very very nice and very interesting.
Fingers crossed for the future of this building!!
Historic England Records:
1. 5009 LONDON ROAD (Broad Green)
West Croydon United Reformed Church (formerly listed as West Croydon Congregational Church) TQ 36 NW 2/19 13.12.72
II
2. 1886, by Mr Church. Gothic, in C13, C14 style. Kentish Rag. Nave, aisles, transepts anf fine tower with broad spire on corner of road. Slate roof with wooden fleche over crossing. Listed partly for townscape value.
Listing NGR: TQ3158466994
Edit: Next time I visit Croydon Archives I will ask if they have any old photos
Clockman's Adventures! 