History enthusiasts gathered to celebrate a long-forgotten Croydon spa in Upper Norwood last Saturday.

Around 100 people, many in traditional Victorian dress, participated in an unveiling ceremony in Beulah park, as a memorial stone and lectern were revealed to commemorate the royal spa that once existed there.

Opening in 1831, Beulah spa was a playground for London’s social class where artists, writers, musicians and royals mixed.

Chris Shields, founder of The Beulah Spa History Project, said: "I set up the Beulah Spa project specifically to obtain funding for the stone and lectern.

“I was born and bred on Spa Hill and could never quite understand why the Beulah Spa wasn't marked and remembered.

“Norwood established itself because of the Beulah Spa - maybe even the Crystal Palace wouldn't have been built here had the Spa not paved the way for it years earlier.

“The Beulah Spa has finally got the recognition it deserves as a very important place in the social history of London.

“Now I've achieved the Beulah Stone and lectern, future generations can remember this very special and magical place."

The Mayor of Croydon, Bernadette Khan, unveiled the newly installed Beulah Spa granite memorial stone and a pictorial lectern.

Mr Shields, a local author and musician who has worked in Croydon libraries for over thirty years, organised the event having recently written a book on the subject.

Attended by Queen Victoria on four occasions, Beulah Spa also saw the coming of Queen Consorts, future Kings (Edward VII), Princes, Princesses, Emperors, Dukes and Duchesses.

A popular spot amongst musicians and artists, Charles Dickens also mentioned the spa in his books.

Turning back the years, attendees celebrated with the live music, period dancing and a juggling performance.

The All Saints Clarinet Quartet played the music of Johann Strauss Senior (who himself conducted his band on the Spa lawns in 1838) as dancers in Victorian dress, provided by Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom Dance Group, performed quadrilles and dancing like in days of old.

Chris’ book can be obtained from the Bookseller Crow bookshop in Westow Street, Crystal Palace, or online at www.chrisshieldsmusic.com.