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The Anglo/Saxon settlement began on the River Mole banks in northeastern Surrey. The opposite side of the waterway was once designated as a Roman burial ground. The Romans also established two roads that passed through the area. The first settlement was known as Leodridan and by 1086, the village was called Leret. During this time period, the land was mostly farmed and meadows allowed livestock grazing.
Leatherhead had a church, two mills, manor houses and the humble cottages used by laborers. A fire devastated the small community in 1392, but the landowners and residents survived and reconstructed the community.
Being on the route of two Roman roads, Leatherhead received travellers requiring food and shelter. Coaching inns developed to accommodate the visitors. The Running Horse Inn, built in 1403, once sheltered Elizabeth I, stranded in Leatherhead because of rising floodwaters. The inn remains open and welcomes guests today. John Wesley preached his last sermon in Leatherhead in 1791.
From Tudor times, the community hosted theatrical entertainment. Theatres presented live performances and the structures lasted for centuries. Actor Michael Caine established an annual drama festival in Leatherhead, which promotes the performing arts.
Activities and Attractions
Scattered throughout Leatherhead are beautiful gardens where grand manor estates once stood. A garden on Bull Hill commemorates George V. Many consider the area the gateway to the Surrey hills. Paths travel along the river, across the historic countryside and into wooded areas. Many paths also accommodate cyclists and the London-Surrey Cycle Classic passes through the area every year.
Journeying around the community visitors encounter buildings constructed anywhere from medieval times through the Victorian era. One of these interesting locations includes the Hampton Cottage, a timber framed building constructed in the 1600s that now houses the local museum.
The Leatherhead Museum itself holds many interesting features. Once a manor house, the structure contains a Victorian kitchen, old-fashioned water well and functional gardens. Within the museum, collections include ancient Anglo/Saxon artefacts, antique pottery and an array of Ronson products. The company was well known for manufacturing cigarette lighters and the facilty has a selection of the more unique products created by Ronson.
The nearby Ashton Common holds evidence of an ancient Roman villa and bathhouse. Rich in clay, the local soil provided the perfect medium for manufacturing bricks and tiles even in ancient times. The facility contains collections of these tiles on exhibit.
Places to Stay and Dining
Local lodging in the Leatherhead area includes inns in and around the community that once housed distant travellers. Modernised, but decorated in classic style, guests have a splendid stay while stepping back in time. Some facilities also offer 24-hour room service.
Dine on traditional British cuisine at the Running Horse Pub and Restaurant. Specially prepared favourites include steak pie made with diced steak, carrots, mushrooms and onions. The ingredients are cooked in spitfire ale. The pie accompanies chips and fresh salad. Try tender farm fresh chicken, pan fried in chili and garlic butter and served with chips and garden fresh vegetables.
Accommodation in Leatherhead
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