Catford

12:02pm Wednesday 20th June 2007

Once a quiet village frequented by wild cats, Catford is now a busy town centre frequented by shoppers and office workers.

The name Catford is believed to have its origins in the ford across the River Ravensbourne where there were wild cats. A giant suspended black and white cat at Catford shopping centre is a reminder of the town's origin.

Surrounded by fields, sometimes flooded, Catford was a quiet farming community.

The peace was shattered in the mid-19th century when the railway arrived, with a station at Catford Bridge.

The benefit of transport into London prompted a surge in house building, though large-scale development did not take place until the end of the 19th century.

Catford has been the municipal headquarters for the borough of Lewisham since 1875.

Lewisham's town hall is in Catford, built in 1875 and enlarged in 1901. Lewisham Theatre is also in Catford.

Shopping in Catford offers a variety of chain stores as well as an indoor market with stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothing and plants.

Catford's famous greyhound stadium closed in 2003.