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
Click for places to stay and places to visit in this area
Recommended Books:
Old English Villages (Country S.) |
English Villages (Writer's Britain S.) | Illustrated Guide to Country Towns and... | Domesday Heritage: Towns and Villages of... |
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