Surrey: Difference between revisions
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The highest point in Surrey is [[Leith Hill]] near [[Dorking]] at 968 ft (295 m) above sea level. |
The highest point in Surrey is [[Leith Hill]] near [[Dorking]] at 968 ft (295 m) above sea level. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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{{main|History of Surrey}} |
{{main|History of Surrey}} |
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[[Image:kingsstone.JPG|thumb|left|The King's Stone at Kingston]] |
[[Image:kingsstone.JPG|thumb|left|The King's Stone at Kingston]] |
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Before Roman times the area today known as Surrey was very probably governed by the [[Atrebates]] tribe centred at [[Calleva]] in the modern county of [[Hampshire]]. They were known to have controlled the southern bank of the [[Thames]] from Roman documents describing the nature of tribal relations between them and the powerful [[Catuvellauni]] on the north banks. The Atrebates were allies with [[Rome]] during their invasion of Britain in [[43]]AD and the territory of [[Surrey]] was traversed by [[Stone Street]] and [[Ermine Street]] and other less well known Roman roads. |
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After the Romans left Britain in c.[[410]]AD the territory of modern Surrey was officialy part of [[Britannia Prima]] but was probably ruled by the successor realm of the [[Atrebates]] tribe. It has long been speculated that [[Guildford]] may have been the [[Astolat]] of [[King Arthur|Arthurian]] renown, however the legendary city is more likely to have been Calleva (modern day [[Silchester]]), the capital of the Atrebates, which resisted the [[Anglo-Saxons]] for many years. |
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| ⚫ | From around 480AD Saxons from the south and Jutes from east invaded and began settling in the area and establush a sub-kingdom probably with Middle Saxon overlords. At this time the area was sparsely populated and almost entirely forested. There is a local truce recorded in c.500 (possibly as a result of the [[Battle of Badon Hill]] and only north and east Surrey were retained by the [[Anglo-Saxons]]. From c.550AD the westward expansion in to British territory continues with some local British communities becoming marooned within the confines of Saxon Surrey, probably around [[Walton-on-Thames]]. From [[568]] the eastern border of Surrey and Kent is agreed and marked by a ditch. Local tribes named ''Æschingas'', ''Godhelmingas'' (around [[Godalming]]), ''Tetingas'' (around [[Tooting]]), ''Woccingas'' (between [[Woking]] and [[Wokingham]]) and ''Sonningas'' (around [[Sonning]]) are known to have existed. |
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In [[661]] the sub-kingdom takes [[Mercia]] as its overlord. In 675 the territory formally converted to Christianity and was one of the last portions of [[England]] to do so. The name of the area is recorded as ''Sudergeona'' or "southern region". In [[685]] Surrey changes allegiance and takes [[Wessex]] as it's overlord. In [[690]] the western border of Surrey is settled with [[Wessex]] and the tribal territory of the ''Sonningas'' becomes part of [[Berkshire]]. In [[705]] Surrey is transferred from the Middle Saxon diocese of [[London]] to the West Saxon [[diocese of Winchester]]. |
In [[661]] the sub-kingdom takes [[Mercia]] as its overlord. In 675 the territory formally converted to Christianity and was one of the last portions of [[England]] to do so. The name of the area is recorded as ''Sudergeona'' or "southern region". In [[685]] Surrey changes allegiance and takes [[Wessex]] as it's overlord. In [[690]] the western border of Surrey is settled with [[Wessex]] and the tribal territory of the ''Sonningas'' becomes part of [[Berkshire]]. In [[705]] Surrey is transferred from the Middle Saxon diocese of [[London]] to the West Saxon [[diocese of Winchester]]. |
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From [[899]] the kings of [[Wessex]] were crowned in [[Kingston-upon-Thames]] on the ''King's Stone'' (origins not known) as well as in their capital at [[Winchester]]. This tradition continued with each king until [[Ethelred the Unready]] in [[978]]. |
From [[899]] the kings of [[Wessex]] were crowned in [[Kingston-upon-Thames]] on the ''King's Stone'' (origins not known) as well as in their capital at [[Winchester]]. This tradition continued with each king until [[Ethelred the Unready]] in [[978]]. |
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In [[1011]] it is recorded that Surrey was over-run by the Danish forces of [[Canute]] before all of England submits to them in [[1016]]. After the restoration of [[Edward the Confessor]] in [[1042]] Surrey remained unmolested until the [[Norman Conquest]] in 1066. |
In [[1011]] it is recorded that Surrey was over-run by the Danish forces of [[Canute]] before all of England submits to them in [[1016]]. After the restoration of [[Edward the Confessor]] in [[1042]] Surrey remained unmolested until the [[Norman Conquest]] in 1066. the of . |
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==Medieval Surrey== |
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After the Norman Conquest, [[William I]] gave the county to [[William de Warenne]], and gave to him and his descendants the title of [[Earl of Surrey|Earl]]. The chief subsequent event connected with it was the signing of the great charter at [[Magna Carta|Runnymede]], and other public events were mostly intertwined with the history of the metropolis. Specimens of monastic buildings of early English date occur in [[Waverley Abbey]] and [[Newark Priory]]. These were both destroyed during [[the reformation]]. |
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==Modern History== |
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The modern county of Surrey was formed in 1889 when the Provisional [[Surrey County Council]] first met. At this time, until future local government reorganisation, it comprised of [[Lord Lieutenant]] and custos, a [[High Sheriff]], and a county council consisting of 19 [[aldermen]] and 57 [[councillors]]. This assumed the responsibilities of the now defunct [[Shire Court]] and [[Hundred Court]]s. The new county of Surrey was reduced in size with the loss of areas in the north-east bordering the [[City of London]] which became boroughs of the new [[London County Council]]. Further reforms in local government in [[1965]] and [[1974]] further changed the borders of the county, losing more territory to [[Greater London]] and [[West Sussex]] while gaining some parts from [[Kent]], [[Hampshire]] and [[Middlesex]]. |
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==Sub Kings and later ''Eorldermen'' of Surrey== |
==Sub Kings and later ''Eorldermen'' of Surrey== |
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Revision as of 15:00, 17 January 2006
- For other places with the same name, see Surrey (disambiguation).
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| Geography | |
| Status | Ceremonial & Non-metropolitan county |
|---|---|
| Origin | Historic |
| Region: | South East England |
| Area - Total - Admin. council |
Ranked 35th 1,663 km² Ranked 31st |
| Admin HQ: | Kingston |
| ISO 3166-2: | GB-SRY |
| ONS code: | 43 |
| NUTS 3: | UKJ23 |
| Demographics | |
| Population - Total (2004 est.) - Density - Admin. Council |
Ranked 13th 1,067,200 639 / km² Ranked 5th |
| Ethnicity: | 95.0% White 2.2% S. Asian |
| Politics | |
| Arms of Surrey County Council Surrey County Council http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/ | |
| Executive | Conservative |
| Members of Parliament | |
| Districts | |
 | |
Surrey is a county in southern England, part of the South East England region and one of the Home Counties. The county borders Berkshire, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex. The county town is Guildford.
Surrey is divided into 11 boroughs and districts: Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley, Woking.
Settlements and communications
- See also list of places in Surrey.
Surrey has a population of approximately one million people. The county town is Guildford, which despite having a University, a Castle and a Cathedral is not a city. Unusually, the county administration is based outside of the county's current boundaries in Kingston upon Thames and has been since 1965 when that area, and others, were included within Greater London. There are plans to move the offices to a new site in Woking. [1].
Due to its proximity to London there are a many commuter towns and villages in Surrey, the population density is high and the area is more affluent, on average, than other parts of the UK.
Physical geography
Surrey contains a good deal of mature woodland (reflected in the official logo of Surrey County Council, a pair of interlocking oak leaves). Among its many notable beauty spots are Box Hill, Frensham Ponds and Puttenham Common. It is apparently the most wooded county in Great Britain and Box Hill has the oldest untouched area of natural woodland in the UK, one of the oldest in Europe.
Much of Surrey is in the Green Belt and is rolling downland, the county's geology being dominated by the chalk hills of the North Downs. Agriculture not being intensive, there are many commons and access lands, together with an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways including the North Downs Way, a scenic long-distance path. Accordingly, Surrey provides much in the way of rural leisure activities, with a very large horse population.
The highest point in Surrey is Leith Hill near Dorking at 968 ft (295 m) above sea level.
Roman and Saxon History
Before Roman times the area today known as Surrey was very probably governed by the Atrebates tribe centred at Calleva in the modern county of Hampshire. They were known to have controlled the southern bank of the Thames from Roman documents describing the nature of tribal relations between them and the powerful Catuvellauni on the north banks. The Atrebates were allies with Rome during their invasion of Britain in 43AD and the territory of Surrey was traversed by Stone Street and Ermine Street and other less well known Roman roads.
After the Romans left Britain in c.410AD the territory of modern Surrey was officialy part of Britannia Prima but was probably ruled by the successor realm of the Atrebates tribe. It has long been speculated that Guildford may have been the Astolat of Arthurian renown, however the legendary city is more likely to have been Calleva (modern day Silchester), the capital of the Atrebates, which resisted the Anglo-Saxons for many years.
From around 480AD Saxons from the south and Jutes from east invaded and began settling in the area and establush a sub-kingdom probably with Middle Saxon overlords. At this time the area was sparsely populated and almost entirely forested. There is a local truce recorded in c.500 (possibly as a result of the Battle of Badon Hill and only north and east Surrey were retained by the Anglo-Saxons. From c.550AD the westward expansion in to British territory continues with some local British communities becoming marooned within the confines of Saxon Surrey, probably around Walton-on-Thames. From 568 the eastern border of Surrey and Kent is agreed and marked by a ditch. Local tribes named Æschingas, Godhelmingas (around Godalming), Tetingas (around Tooting), Woccingas (between Woking and Wokingham) and Sonningas (around Sonning) are known to have existed.
In 661 the sub-kingdom takes Mercia as its overlord. In 675 the territory formally converted to Christianity and was one of the last portions of England to do so. The name of the area is recorded as Sudergeona or "southern region". In 685 Surrey changes allegiance and takes Wessex as it's overlord. In 690 the western border of Surrey is settled with Wessex and the tribal territory of the Sonningas becomes part of Berkshire. In 705 Surrey is transferred from the Middle Saxon diocese of London to the West Saxon diocese of Winchester.
After 771 Surrey comes under the rule of Offa of Mercia and is so until 823 when Surrey reverts to Wessex and so remains. It is formally annexed by Wessex in 860. It is around this time that the war between the English and the Danes reaches is crescendo with Surrey being the arena for a number of key battles; most notably at the Battle of Ockley in 851 and the Battle of Farnham in 894.
From 899 the kings of Wessex were crowned in Kingston-upon-Thames on the King's Stone (origins not known) as well as in their capital at Winchester. This tradition continued with each king until Ethelred the Unready in 978.
In 1011 it is recorded that Surrey was over-run by the Danish forces of Canute before all of England submits to them in 1016. After the restoration of Edward the Confessor in 1042 Surrey remained unmolested until the Norman Conquest in 1066. Few remains of either the ancient British, the Roman, or the Saxon periods exist. Stone Street and Ermine Street have left some vestiges, and Roman relics, of no great interest, have been found at various places.
Medieval Surrey
After the Norman Conquest, William I gave the county to William de Warenne, and gave to him and his descendants the title of Earl. The chief subsequent event connected with it was the signing of the great charter at Runnymede, and other public events were mostly intertwined with the history of the metropolis. Specimens of monastic buildings of early English date occur in Waverley Abbey and Newark Priory. These were both destroyed during the reformation.
Modern History
The modern county of Surrey was formed in 1889 when the Provisional Surrey County Council first met. At this time, until future local government reorganisation, it comprised of Lord Lieutenant and custos, a High Sheriff, and a county council consisting of 19 aldermen and 57 councillors. This assumed the responsibilities of the now defunct Shire Court and Hundred Courts. The new county of Surrey was reduced in size with the loss of areas in the north-east bordering the City of London which became boroughs of the new London County Council. Further reforms in local government in 1965 and 1974 further changed the borders of the county, losing more territory to Greater London and West Sussex while gaining some parts from Kent, Hampshire and Middlesex.
Sub Kings and later Eorldermen of Surrey
- Friþuwald (c.673 - 675)
- Friþuric (675 - c.686)
an unknown series of sub regulus until;
- Brorda (c.775)
an unknown series of Eorldermen until;
- Wulfherd (c.823)
- Huda (c.853)
an unknown series of Eorldermen until;
- Æðelwerd (late 10th Century)
- Æðelmær (? - 1016) son
Surrey was anciently divided into the 14 hundreds of Blackheath, Brixton, Copthorne, Effingham Half-Hundred, Elmbridge, Farnham, Godalming, Godley, Kingston, Reigate, Tandridge, Wallington, Woking and Wotton.
Until 1889 Surrey contained the area of the present-day London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth. In 1965 the area of the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton were made part of Greater London, and Spelthorne acquired from Middlesex.
The 1974 local government reforms caused Gatwick Airport and some surrounding land to be transferred to West Sussex. Under the Local Government Act 1972 Horley and Charlwood were transferred, however fierce local opposition led to a reversal of this under the Charlwood and Horley Act 1974.
Education
- Charterhouse School in Godalming
- Epsom College
- Glyn Technology School in Ewell
- Reigate Grammar School
- Rosebery School in Epsom
- Royal Grammar School, Guildford
- Royal Holloway in Egham
- St George's College in Weybridge
- University of Surrey in Guildford
- Oxted County School in Oxted
- St. Edmund's School (Hindhead)
Places of interest
National Trust properties
Box Hill just north of Dorking is woodland and chalk downland with superb views from the top of the hill. The eminent British myrmecologist and coleopterist Horace Donisthorpe frequented this location during his studies of British ants.
Clandon Park, an 18th century Palladian mansion in West Clandon to the east of Guildford. The house, which holds interesting collections, and the gardens are both attractive.
Claremont Landscape Garden, south of Esher. The gardens date from 1715,
Dapdune Wharf on the River Wey in Guildford is home to a restored Wey barge, the Reliance.
Devil's Punch Bowl at Hindhead is another common with fine views and walks.
Frensham Common home to a variety of plant, animal and birdlife. Scenic with pleasant walks (and horse rides). Frensham Great Pond houses assorted sailing activities whilst Frensham Little Pond provides family picnicing spots.
Hatchlands Park in East Clandon, east of Guildford, was built in 1758 with Robert Adam interiors and a fine keyboard collection.
Holmbury St Mary is a charming village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to the Greensand Way and North Downs Way. It was developed in the 19th century and still has a mainly Victorian character as on the whole no new building is allowed. The youth hostel, constructed in the village in 1935, was the first purpose-built by the Youth Hostels Association.
Leith Hill to the south west of Dorking is the highest point in south-east England. Woods, Rhodedendrons and magnificent views from the many walks.
Oakhurst Cottage in Hambledon near Godalming is a restored 16th century worker's home.
Polesden Lacey south of Great Bookham is a Regency villa with extensive grounds. Each summer open air theatre is presented in the grounds.
River Wey & Godalming Navigations from Godalming to the Thames at Weybridge. Interesting scenery, well kept locks and well maintained towpaths make for pleasant walks.
Runnymede at Egham is the site of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. Attractive meadows and woodland, part of which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Shalford Mill is an 18th century water-mill on the River Tillingbourne.
Winkworth Arboretum south east of Godalming was created in the 20th century with impressive flowers in the spring and magnificent colours in the autumn.
Witley Common is heathland south of Godalming.
Wotton Wotton House was the family seat of John Evelyn, the 17th-century diarist and horticulturist.
Other places of interest
- Guildford Cathedral is a post-war cathedral built from bricks made from the clay hill on which it stands.
- Waverley Abbey.
- Surrey Hills AONB
- Royal Earlswood Hospital is an early psychiatric hospital which housed the autistic savant James Henry Pullen and The Queen Mother's two nieces: Nerissa Bowes-Lyon and Katherine Bowes-Lyon.
- Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley.
- Brooklands Museum
Youth hostels
- Hindhead - Devil's Punch Bowl, Thursley. This is a totally secluded cottage in a rural beauty spot and has no car access.
- Holmbury St Mary - In wooded grounds in the hills with easy access. SE of Abinger.
- Tanners Hatch - A cottage in the woods on the outskirts of Ranmore Common NW of Dorking.
External links
- Surrey County Council
- Surrey Interactive Map
- University of Surrey Homepage
- SurreyProperty.com/aerial.html aerial photographs
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