Pyrford

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude=51.314623
longitude=-0.506371
official_name= Pyrford
map_type= Surrey
population = 5,074 [ [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=5942838&c=GU22+8SP&d=14&e=16&g=493025&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 Population statistics] ]
shire_district= Woking
shire_county = Surrey
region= South East England
constituency_westminster= Woking
post_town= Woking
postcode_district = GU22
postcode_area= GU
dial_code= 01932
os_grid_reference=TQ041583

Pyrford (pronEng|ˈpɝfəd) is an English village that for centuries had historical links with the monastery of Westminster, in whose possession it remained between the Norman Conquest and the Dissolution of the Monasteries nearly five hundred years later. It is thirty miles by road from central London and situated in the modern county of Surrey. It lies two miles east of the town of Woking and two miles west of the London orbital motorway, near Jct 10. Adjacent villages are West Byfleet, Wisley and Ripley.

Pyrford is bisected by the River Wey Navigation. Roads passing through the village include the B367 (Upshott Lane/Church Hill) and B382 (Old Woking Road). Open areas in the south and east of the village are designated Metropolitan Green Belt. [ [http://www.woking.gov.uk/council/planning/localplan/pyrford/pyrford.pdf Woking Borough Council Planning] ] Pyrford is mentioned in "The War of the Worlds", by H. G. Wells, in which it is near the landing site of the third of ten Martian invasion cylinders.

The current village name 'Pyrford' is derived from the Saxon name 'Pyrianford' [ [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43001 Pyrford History] ] ] , which is believed to mean 'Pear Tree Ford'.

t. Nicholas Church

The Church of St. Nicholas in the medieval settlement area of Pyrford was built around 1140 and is a fine example of a complete Norman church.

It is thought likely that Queen Elizabeth the First would have worshipped at St. Nicholas Church. She reputedly donated a silver chalice to the church in 1570.

Original frescoes, painted in red ochre, were uncovered during renovations in 1869 and 1967. There are two sets of drawings from different periods with subjects including scenes from Christ's Passion and an illustration of pilgrims preparing to set sail in a pilgrimage to Spain.

The church grounds and the surrounding lands are designated a Conservation Area, having special architectural and historical importance.

Leisure

The River Wey Navigation and the associated Pyrford Marina provide much in the way of water related leisure pursuits. Towpath rambling, boat and lock watching, and wining & dining in a fine setting also offer very popular pedestrian activities during fine-weather months.

ports

Pyrford Cricket Club was founded in 1858.Pyrford has three golf courses: Pyrford Golf Course, Wisley Golf Course and Traditions.

Transport

Hourly bus route [http://surreybybus.pindar.com/pages/tt/timetables/437.PDF 437] links Pyrford with Woking, West Byfleet, New Haw and Addlestone. The service is financially supported by Surrey County Council.

References

External links

* [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43001 Pyrford History]
* [http://www.wisleywithpyrford.org/ Parish of Wisley with Pyrford]
* [http://www.woking.gov.uk/council/planning/localplan/pyrford/pyrford.pdf Woking Borough Council Pyrford Plan]