LOCATION
Overview
 Surrey's
greatest asset is probably its natural location in England
encompassing an urban
landscape on its northern borders with London gradually becoming more rural
towards the south. Surprisingly Surrey
has only become significantly populated since the end of the
C18 and “within easy reach” of the capital since the middle of
the C19. Originally a small county Surrey quickly became even
smaller when
large parts in the north were lost to London's administration
in 1880 and in 1955.
Towns
 Until the C19 there were no
important towns in Surrey outside Southwark.
Now Guildford,
Surrey's County town, is typical of the area where modern living
and excellent shopping facilities combine with a sympathy for history and
the surrounding countryside. As with several towns Guildford has a
pedestrianised centre and dedicated indoor shopping complexes.
Some Surrey towns seem to have benefited from these modern ideas whereas
others, such as Leatherhead, have found their character altered
detrimentally. This experience has meant different local policies have
been adopted with the benefit of hindsight. Dorking,
for instance, is typical of the more traditional old market town without
extensive new road schemes or alteration. However it has its own
problems of considerable traffic congestion at busy times, the A25
still being obliged to pass through its centre.
Countryside
 Surrey
soils of chalk, sand and clay give rise to a varied and interesting
landscape with low lying areas suddenly giving way to steep
escarpments. Unsurprisingly, there are many areas of outstanding
natural beauty in narrow glens, wooded hills and rolling open
fields. Wonderful views of the Surrey countryside can be
enjoyed from various vantage points around the County, but perhaps
the most notable are at Box Hill
and Leith Hill near Dorking and at Newlands Corner
near Guildford. This hilly, unspoilt area is part of the famous
North Downs and
Greensand Way where Leith Hill's tower is
the highest point in south-east
England standing at 1000 feet above sea level. Another
delightful place on this ridge of hills is St Martha's Church just
to the south east of Guildford where it could indeed be thought
that heaven touches this little piece of England! Discover St
Martha's, if you don't know it already, it should be a
precious moment for you.
 N.B.
It should be pointed out that the County boundary of Surrey differs
from its postal district (which may lead to confusion) and within this
section we will be talking about the area within the County.
The towns of Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Croydon are now within Greater
London although the Headquarters of Surrey County Council is still
located in Kingston! The County of Surrey used to stretch as
far into London as Southwark and Penge but alteration to
administrative boundaries over the years has changed the face of the
County.
Photos:
Top: Cranleigh village homes
Top in Text: View towards Newlands Corner
Middle in Text: Guildford Guildhall
Bottom: Cranleigh Cricket Green
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