The London Government Act in 1963 saw the creation of 32 London boroughs as well as the City of London.
This meant that surrounding areas, such as Surrey, had parts taken away and classified as London under boroughs such as Sutton.
The towns within these boroughs ceased to be part of Surrey, and all their residents became Londoners.
However, many people in these towns would argue that they still feel more part of Surrey than London.
Here are five south London towns that used to be part of Surrey.
Sutton
Sutton was once part of Surrey, but today it’s the principal town in the London Borough of Sutton, though locals still proudly hold on to its Surrey roots.
Many residents continue to tag their Sutton address as being in Surrey, despite this not being entirely true.
A statement on Butler’s Estates Limited says: “Most people use ‘Sutton, Surrey’ when addressing letters to people in the town of Sutton because the town used to be part of the county of Surrey.
“But it would be more accurate to use ‘Sutton, London’ because since 1965 the town has been the heart of the London Borough of Sutton.”
Sutton has a long history as a key market town, with records dating back as early as the 11th century.
In the Domesday Book conducted by William the Conqueror, Sutton was recorded as having two churches and 30 houses.
Croydon
Croydon hasn’t been part of Surrey since 1965, but that hasn’t stopped locals from holding onto its county roots.
Despite its status as one of London’s largest boroughs, reminders of Croydon’s past are everywhere.
Reminders are especially visible in places like Coulsdon.
With its rolling hills, village high street and sprawling green spaces, it feels more Surrey than the capital.
But Coulsdon is squarely within the London Borough of Croydon, as are Kenley, Sanderstead, and Woodmansterne.
Historically, Croydon was one of Surrey’s biggest market towns.
It was recorded in the Domesday Book and later became a major stop on the route from London to Brighton.
While Croydon is factually in south London, its ties to Surrey remain strong, and for many, the town still feels more like a piece of its former county than part of the capital.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is known for its tennis championship and lively town centre, but its roots lie firmly in Surrey.
Before becoming part of Greater London, Wimbledon was a thriving market town in Surrey.
The area is a desirable place to live, with its mix of green spaces, excellent transport links, and a strong sense of community.
Residents enjoy a village-like atmosphere, combined with the benefits of easy access to central London.
Between 1905 and 1965, Wimbledon was a borough of its own, falling under the Municipal Borough of Wimbledon.
Since 1965, Wimbledon belongs to the London Borough of Merton.
Mitcham
Now also part of the London Borough of Merton is Mitcham, which used to be a village based in the north of Surrey.
Its transformation into a bustling suburban area is a reflection of the broader changes that have taken place across the region since the 1965 creation of Greater London.
Historically, Mitcham was known for its market gardens and vast open spaces, earning the nickname “the capital of the garden of England.”
Today, the town retains some of that rural charm, with green areas like Mitcham Common still providing a natural escape from the urban sprawl.
Kingston
Kingston has long been associated with Surrey, but since 1965, it has been part of Greater London and became under its own borough: Kingston-upon-Thames.
However, the town’s historical ties to Surrey are still evident in its identity.
Kingston was once the county town of Surrey, known for its royal connections and strategic location on the River Thames.
Even today, Kingston residents often identify with their county heritage, and many still refer to the town as being in Surrey, despite it officially being part of London.
The confusion may come from the KT postcode, which covers Kingston but also extends into Surrey areas, including towns like Epsom, making it easy to mix up the boundaries.
Kingston’s royal history dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period when it was the site of coronations for several early English kings.
The town remained a key centre in Surrey until the creation of Greater London, when its status shifted.
While Kingston is undeniably part of London today, its rich history, picturesque riverside, and suburban feel continue to reflect its Surrey past.
