The recent announcement that Bradmore Green Pond in Coulsdon is to undergo a cosmetic transformation has prompted residents and historians to think about the site's rich heritage.

Members of the Old Coulsdon Residents Association (OCRA) talk about the pond's history in their autumn newsletter with contributions from local historian Ken Righton.

Bradmore Green Pond dates back to the times when ponds and wells were the only source of water.

Old Coulsdon had no springs or streams, so ponds had to be dug and maintained to provide water.

According to the Benefactions Board in St John's Church, Bradmore Green Pond was created by Matilda Crowe in 1836, in memory of her husband Philip.

Her public-spirited generosity has provided an amenity for the village for the last 165 years.

A vibrant community of frogs, stickleback fish, ducks and birds can be seen at the spot. In September this year, work had already begun to clear the overgrowth and sludge in the hope of restoring the landmark to its former glory.

But in the past, there were many other ponds in the village. The meadow behind Pound Cottage in Coulsdon Road had a pond which was used to water cattle while they were being driven to the market. Tudor Parade is built on the site of Place Cottages which had their own pond.

Forge Pond, also known as Lacey Pond, on Coulsdon Road was used by the village blacksmith.

But the ponds, including Bradmore Green, were sometimes associated with death.

Ken Righton writes: "Early in 1890, Forge Pond was the scene of a fatal drowning accident when a horse-drawn vehicle careered into the deep pond and over turned.

"In 1906, one William Smith drowned himself in Bradmore Green Pond - sorry, there is no evidence that he now haunts this pond! So the next time you stroll across the green, I hope you will give our pond another glance and think about its fascinating history."