Warlingham
| Warlingham | |
| Surrey | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ355585 |
| Location: | 51°18’34"N, 0°3’26"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 7,970 (2001) |
| Post town: | Warlingham |
| Postcode: | CR6 |
| Dialling code: | 01883 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Tandridge |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
East Surrey |
Warlingham is a large village in Surrey, on the North Downs. Parts of the village rise to 650 feet above sea level, which height allows for some panoramic views north over central London (on the stretch of the Limpsfield road between Warlingham village and Botley Hill Farm). On a clear day all the major skyscrapers (including Canary Wharf, "the Gherkin" and the NatWest tower) can be seen, and the Middlesex hills north of London can be made out on the horizon.
The village is close to the edge of the swollen metropolitan conurbation. Neighbouring villages include Sanderstead, Hamsey Green, Whyteleafe, Farleigh, Fickleshole, Tatsfield and Woldingham. The nearest town to Warlingham is Caterham.
The village is within the Tandridge Hundred.
History
All Saints' Church Warlingham dates back to around the year 1250. Notable features include a 15th-century wall painting of St Christopher. There is a tradition that Cranmer first experimented with the first Book of Common Prayer at this church.[1]
Notable former residents include Sir Joseph Swan, inventor of the incandescent light bulb.
During the Second World War, Warlingham was witness to the Battle of Britain, much of which was fought in the skies above this part of Surrey. The former RAF bases of Biggin Hill and RAF Kenley were within a few miles of Warlingham in either direction, and from there fighters would intercept German bombers navigating their way up to London along the valley between Warlingham and Woldingham (then known as 'Bombers' Alley').
Warlingham War Memorial is now one of the central features of the village. It is a simple yet poignant monument dedicated to the great many local people who made sacrifices during the two world wars in the 20th Century.
From 1903 until 1999 the parish included Warlingham Park Hospital. This is now a residential estate. Only the Grade II listed Water Tower remains.
Today
Today, much of Warlingham's working population commutes to work in Croydon or London, making Warlingham part of the London commuter belt.
Warlingham is also situated in the green belt, although the village is under much pressure from developers. The village is surrounded by the rolling chalk hillsides and woodlands of the North Downs. Parts of the adjacent Woldingham valley have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Blanchman's Farm Nature Reserve was set up in 1991 and was the first community wildlife area in the district. It covers 25 acres and includes a restored pond, around 10,000 native trees, and a path for wheelchair access.[2]
Local shops
Warlingham is centered on a triangular village green, which is home to most of the village's commercial activities.
The shops in Warlingham include a goodly range of local shops: a pair of general shops, a pharmacy, post office, hardware shop,bank and so forth. Also situated on the green is the village hall, as well as a few small houses, several shops and four pubs of varying characters (including the old coaching Inn, the 'White Lion'). This unusual concentration of pubs in Warlingham is possibly partly due to the fact that neighbouring villages (including Sanderstead, Woldingham and Farleigh) do not have any pubs of their own.
There was some controversy a few years ago when the White Lion was taken over by a chain. The new owners made a number of changes to the pub including the removal of the historic pub sign and its replacement with a laminated corporate logo.
Before the opening of a large supermarket at the Chelsham end of Limpsfield Road, the village also supported a bakers, two butchers, a greengrocers another general grocers. These have all since closed, probably as a result of competition from the supermarket. The majority of local people opposed the building of the supermarket as did the local council. However, after the supermarket chain threatened to withdraw a traffic calming scheme the council capitulated and allowed the construction of the supermarket. This has led to a massive increase in traffic on Limpsfield Road and a sharp reduction in general trade for shops around the village green.[3]
Big Society
- Warlingham Sports Club dates back to 1856.[4]
- Warlingham is also home to Warlingham Rugby Football Club[5] was founded in 1922.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Warlingham) |
