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Welcome to
Crawley
West Sussex - England

Crawley High Street

Crawley High Street is pretty much all that remains of the ‘old’ Crawley. Even this has undergone vast amounts of ‘progress’ since the beginning of the ‘new’ Crawley. The High Street is now a mecca for pubs. 

The High Street photographed early 1950’s Don’t tell anybody... I can actually remember it! The High Street, in the early 1950's was a totally different place to that of today. An island of shops filled the centre of the road like a lozenge shaped roundabout. Alas, it is now gone the way of everything that stopped money being made... errr, sorry, progress.

A process of pedestrianisation, two ‘re-fits at tax payers expense in recent years coupled with some restrictions on ‘restoration’ of the surviving buildings in the High Street has created a ‘pleasing’ environment.

Crawley High Street has many interesting old buildings still in use. All have been extensively renovated and restored but the basic appearance of the exteriors have been preserved.
Each year Crawley High Street plays host to the Veteran Cars for their lunch stop - much to the delight of the locals.

At the north end of the High Street is ‘Tree House’ known locally as ‘The Tree’. The building shows indications of having been a substantial residence in the late 14th century. It is currently the home of various voluntary organisations and is the responsibility of the local authority. ‘The Tree’ has the additional problem of ‘cost of maintenance’ AND the disadvantage of being located in a position that would certainly accrue significant income for the owners should the area be redeveloped. I suspect that its days are numbered.

Even the modern remains of the old coaching inn still looks as if it retains some of its history.

St. John’s Church at the southern end of the High Street is still a firm favourite with local brides. The church of choice in the town centre.

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