Elstead

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 51.17
longitude= -0.71
official_name= Elstead
static_

static_image_caption=The village centre
map_type= Surrey
population = 2,457 [ [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=800131&c=GU8+6DG&d=16&e=15&g=492462&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=0&s=1206563254204&enc=1&dsFamilyId=779 Census data] ]
shire_district= Waverley
shire_county = Surrey
region= South East England
constituency_westminster= South West Surrey
post_town= ELSTEAD
postcode_district = GU8
postcode_area= GU |dial_code= 01252
os_grid_reference= TQ010709

Elstead is a village in Surrey, England, with shops and cottages mainly clustered around a central green, close to the River Wey. Neighbouring villages include Gatwick (the village), Puttenham, Charleshill and Peper Harrow. Elstead is about 5km west of the A3 lying between Guildford and Godalming.

History

Elstead's relative prosperity over the centuries can be partly attributed to the existence of a large watermill and a significant bridge over the river, parts of which are thought to be around 700 years old.

Elstead Mill, now a pub and restaurant, was occupied by Oliver Cromwell’s ‘roundhead’ army during the English Civil War, but subsequently burnt down. The present structure is therefore thought to date back to the seventeenth century.

The first known reference to Elstead is in the 1128 foundation charter for Waverley Abbey (sometimes spelt Waverly), where it was called Helestede. The church of St James was built around ten years later. It still contains thirteenth century windows and some fourteenth century timbers. [ [http://www.elstead.org.uk/anglican/stjhistory.htm History of Elstead Church] ] In the 1300s, a bridge was built over the River Wey. Today this old bridge, strengthened by Surrey County Council in 1993, takes the westward traffic whilst the east ward traffic goes over a new bridge.

Elstead has a forge which was built in 1686.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Elstead was known for the quality and quantity of carrots grown there, with daily shipments by train from nearby Milford Station up to London's Covent Garden market during the growing season. This is attributed to the light sandy soils in the village which are excellent for carrot growing.

Geography

Elstead is surrounded by common land, including Hankley Common which is regularly used by the British Army for training purposes.

Thundry Meadow, close to Elstead, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and is an important breeding area for the dragonfly and damselfly.

References

External links

* [http://www.elstead.org.uk/ Elstead Village Website]
* [http://www.elstead.org.uk/anglican/ St James' Church photo]