Things you didn't know about... Crofton Park

Crofton Park once had a reputation for skulduggery
Although the area was largely agricultural until the 19th century, it was also notorious for highwaymen. They were regulars at local pub the Jack Law, which was rebuilt in 1898.

One of the most photographed venues in London is in Crofton Park
Originally built in 1913, the Rivoli cinema was refurbished and turned into a ballroom in 1957. Today it retains its 1950s décor, including red velvet, a sprung spruce dance floor, chandeliers, glitter balls and huge Chinese lanterns.

The Rivoli Ballroom has hosted pop videos for Oasis, Charlotte Church and S Club 7, as well as fashion shoots for Kate Moss and a recent secret gig for the White Stripes.

Crofton Park was home to a Goon
Although he was born in India, comedian and national treasure Spike Milligan lived at 50 Riseldine Road for several years after he moved to England in the 1930s.

Crofton Park was dreamed up by a railway company
Crofton Park actually used to be part of Brockley, but the area surrounding its railway station was renamed when a new name was needed for the extra stop. There is no other historical reason for it being called Crofton Park.

Victoria Rhubarb is a native of Crofton Park
Much of the area today known as Crofton Park used to be part of Brockley Park. In the market gardens here the locals became famous for their enormous Victoria Rhubarb. There were also orchards and pear trees in the area.

There used to be a river in Crofton park
On its way to join the Thames (via Deptford Creek) a small river used to flow north from Crofton Park. These days it's covered over.

Crofton Park remembers a sinister death
Brockley Cemetery is actually in Crofton Park, and in it is a mysterious monument. Paid for by public money, it is in memory of a motherless girl who was found dying in 1871. The case caused local uproar.

Crofton Park has a papal connection
Breakspears Road in Crofton Park is named after the only English Pope in history. Nicholas Breakspear was Pope from 1154-1159, and went by title Pope Adrian IV.