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Headley

Headley is a small village in the county of Surrey, and is situated some 20 miles, (32 km) south of London, near Epsom where the Derby is run. The village is situated on the dip slope of the North Downs at a height of approximately 600 feet, (180m).

The village is very old and is mentioned in The Doomsday Survey. The name originally meant a clearing in the heather. This refers to the acid soil conditions of Headley Heath which encourages the growth of Heather.

There has been little development in the village recently as it is part of the London Green Belt and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village succeeds in maintaining some of its old character. The land in the village is no longer farmed as it used to be but is used for grazing for the many riding establishments in the area, and a large section is under the control of The National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust and private nature reserves.

Most of the population work outside the village, as there are few opportunities for employment left in the village. The village still has an active Church, Shop and Post Office, Village Hall and Pub. Buses run to Leatherhead and Dorking, State schools are in Leatherhead and Mickleham but many children attend private schools.

There are still many activities run by the Church, Festival Committee, WI etc. which use the newly refurbished Village Hall.

Courtesy of www.headleysurrey.org.uk

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