Bletchingley
| Bletchingley | |
| Surrey | |
|---|---|
 Church Street, Bletchingley | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ327507 |
| Location: | 51°14’26"N, 0°5’57"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 3,147 (2001) |
| Post town: | Redhill |
| Postcode: | RH1 |
| Dialling code: | 01883 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Tandridge |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
East Surrey |
Bletchingley (or Blechingley) is a village in Surrey lying along the A25 road to the east of Redhill and to the west of Godstone.
The village lies within the Tandridge Hundred.
History
The settlement appears in the Domesday Book as Blachingelei. It was held by Richard de Tonebrige. Its Domesday Assets were: 3 hides; 14 ploughs, 17 acres of meadow, woodland worth 58 hogs. Also 7 houses in London and Southwark. It rendered (in total): £15 13s 4d.[1]
In 1225 there is mention of Bletchingley as a borough, but it is not know when a borough charter was granted nor by whom.
It appears that after the 14th century Bletchingley began to lose its importance as a borough, perhaps losing out to the market town of Reigate. Nevertheless, it retained its status as a borough, returning two members to Parliament, though its diminished stature and it was known as a rotten borough. Parliamentary elections were held in what is now the White Hart. The privilege of returning members to Parliament was ended by the Reform Act 1832.
A number of public footpaths and bridleways can be found both to the north and south of the village which not only allow access to the countryside but also provide the opportunity to stumble across some other interesting buildings.
The house at Place Farm formed the gatehouse of Blechingley Place: a great Tudor house, which Anne of Cleves occupied after her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled.
This long history means that it is still possible to see several buildings that date back to around 1500 in the High Street area. Also to the north can be found Brewer Street Farm (15th century) and the Old Rectory (1786).
Today
The nearest railway station, Nutfield is about 2 miles away in South Nutfield.
Bletchingley today still manages to keep in touch with its mediæval roots and strives to maintain the character of the village. The central part of the village is a conservation area and is set in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.