"That allowed for the old alley to be extended through the block and reach Park Street. A new alley needed a name, and it was decided to name it after Thomas Turner, a 19th-century vet who had premises on George Street. Thomas Turner owned a Horse infirmary and campaigned to improve conditions for animal care. When the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was created in 1844, he became its first President and held the role for 6 years."
"That's the remains of the arch that used to span the entrance to the George Inn stables and was retained when the shops were built on either side, as it supported housing above the arch. Historically speaking, the removal of the arch is fairly recent, as it was still there in 1977, as it can be seen in this photo if you zoom in - next to the Phoenix store."
A narrow gap in Croydon looks like an old alley but is largely new; its older northern half led to a coach yard and stables for The George Inn, which closed in 1871 and was replaced by late Victorian shops. Redevelopment behind the shops in 2001 created an entertainment venue used as a nightclub, a children's play area and the Palm Beach Club, enabling the alley to be extended to Park Street. The alley was named for 19th-century vet Thomas Turner, first President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Stone edging preserves the curve of an arch that once spanned the stables; the arch remained until at least 1977 but has since been removed.
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