Elstead
| Elstead | |
| Surrey | |
|---|---|
 Elstead | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ010709 |
| Location: | 51°10’12"N, -0°42’36"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 2,457 (2001) |
| Post town: | Elstead |
| Postcode: | GU8 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Waverley |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
South West Surrey |
Elstead is a village in south-western Surrey. It is a small, rural spot, with shops and cottages clustered around a central green. It stands close to the River Wey and some 3 miles west of the A3 Portsmouth Road, and due west of Godalming.
Surrounding the village is rolling green countryside beyond which nearby are found Gatwick village, Puttenham, Charleshill and Peper Harow.
Elstead is surrounded by common land, including Hankley Common which is regularly used by the Army for training purposes.
Thundry Meadow, close to Elstead, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an important breeding area for the dragonfly and damselfly.
A Speed Watch scheme is being organised for Elstead Village, to encourage drivers to reduce their speed through the village. This is intended to reduce the nuisance caused by commuters and other traffic passing through the village.
Churches
The Church of England parish church, St James was built in around 1150. It still contains 13th century windows and some 14th century timbers.[1]
The church originally belonged to Waverley Abbey, whose abbot had the church built. When the abbey was dissolved the church became one of the chapelry of 'Elstead with Seale and Frensham' belonging to the Rectors of the Parish of Farnham. Elstead became a separate parish some time later; its first resident parish priest arrived in 1829.
In 1845 the old 14th century church underwent a Victorian restoration.
- Church of England: St James
- United Reformed Church: Elstead URC
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 17th 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.
In the 14th century, a bridge was built over the River Wey. Today this old bridge, strengthened in latter years, takes the westward traffic whilst the eastward traffic goes over a new bridge.
Elstead had a forge which was built in 1686 but is now a private house.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Elstead was known for the quality and quantity of carrots grown there, and daily shipments were sent 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.
During 2009, scenes from director Ridley Scott's film adaptation of Robin Hood was filmed at various locations including Oxenford Grange Farm, heavily disguised for the set, and the Hamstead Heath.
Pubs and places to eat
Elstead has 4 pubs. The Golden Fleece, The Woolpack and The Mill are all on the Milford Road. The fourth, Barstead, is located at the recreation ground on Thursley Road. There is also a Chinese restaurant, Pang's lodge, across from St. James school on the Thursley Road and a fish and chip shop on the Milford Road, near the United Reformed Church.
Village Events
Every year there take place a number of events in the village, including:
- Village Pancake Race (with a pancake flipping competition in the Village Hall afterwards)
- A Marathon (5.4 mile running race in July)
- A Paper Boat Race, which involves people making life-size paper boats, out of cardboard, paper, glue, and paint (none of these can be water-resistant), and then the people who made them rowing in it on the Elstead moat to try and get the most laps, flour bombs can also be used.
- The Duck Race, which involves everyone buying a rubber duck, and giving it a name (it comes with a number) and all of them floating down a river buy the mill, and the first ones go to the second heat etc. The winner of the whole thing gets to take home the £50 prize.
- Annual Fireworks at the British Legion on the 5th November
- Additionally, there is:
- Monthly events too:
- Cinema at the village hall
- Dancing in the Village Hall to live Country music.
References
