It has long since been believed that Croydon originiated during the Saxon occupation of Britain, after all the Saxons were the first known inhabitants of Croydon and gave it its name;until the discovery of the remains of what could be a Roman villa on the site that is now Beddington Sewage Farm and evidence to support it. It seems as though Croydon could be older than was originally believed.

In fact certain sites around Croydon supposedly show evidence of a Celtic presence such as farming systems at Farthing Down and a hoard of bronze Celtic 'potin coins' found in New Addington. Any further evidence that Celts may have settled into the Croydon area seems to be purely circumstantial, for example, place names such as 'Duppas Hill' and 'Druid's Grove'. Duppas Hill is seen by some people as a place where Druidic rituals may have been carried out. Croydon is supposedly a good place for mistletoe.

However , the Celts left more than just traces of evidence through place names and artefacts. Many British traditions have Celtic origins, such as Halloween, a festival hugely popular in the States and catching up in Britain. Halloween had its origins in an ancient pre Christian festival of the Dead. It was the main festival of the Celtic calender. Samhain, as it was known, was supposedly when the dead were able to walk among the living, because the gap between the worlds was weakest. Animals, fruit and vegetables were sacrificed, bonfires were lit to keep the dead from the living and help them to cross over. Not only were ghosts able to walk the earth but fairies and demons as well.

Even many traditions at Christmas have pagan origins, as it was supposedly, originally, a pagan festival,such as fir trees and mistletoe which was sacred to Druids.

There is further evidence of Roman settlement in Croydon. As well as the Beddington villa, the other significant site, reported in the Croydon Guardian in 2005, is a Roman dumping ground on a car park site. There is also evidence of Roman settlment around the George Street, High Street and Surrey Street area, and cemetary around the Edbridge and Park Lane area.

Another piece of circumstantial evidence is Coldharbour Lane, at the foot of none other than Duppas Hill. It is said to be evidence of Roman activity. The name 'Coldharbour' is supposed to signify an outstation for Roman activities and is said to be in the vicinity of a Roman encampment.