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Coordinates: 51°12′N 0°23′W / 51.20°N 0.39°W / 51.20; -0.39
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{{short description|Civil parish in Mole Valley, Surrey, England}}
{{short description|Civil parish in Mole Valley, Surrey, England}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox UK place
{{Infobox UK place
| type = Civil parish
| type = Civil parish
| official_name = Abinger
| official_name = Abinger
| static_image_name = Abinger Common Fields.jpg
| static_image_name = Abinger Common Fields.jpg
| static_image_caption = Looking across [[arable land]] from Abinger Common towards Abinger Hammer
| static_image_caption = Looking across [[arable land]] from Abinger Common towards Abinger Hammer
| coordinates = {{coord|51.20|-0.39|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|51.20|-0.39|display=inline,title}}
| area_total_km2 = 30.17
| area_total_km2 = 30.17
| population = 1,905
| population = 1,905
| population_ref = ([[civil parish 2011]])<ref name=ons>[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ Key Statistics; Quick Statistics: Population Density] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211201309/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ |date=11 February 2003 }} [[United Kingdom Census 2011]] ''[[Office for National Statistics]]''. Retrieved 21 November 2013.</ref>
| population_ref = ([[United Kingdom census, 2011|UK Census 2011]])<ref name=ons>[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ Key Statistics; Quick Statistics: Population Density] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211201309/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ |date=11 February 2003 }} [[United Kingdom Census 2011]] ''[[Office for National Statistics]]''. Retrieved 21 November 2013.</ref>
| os_grid_reference = TQ1101
| os_grid_reference = TQ1101
| civil_parish = '''Abinger'''
| civil_parish = '''Abinger'''
| shire_district = [[Mole Valley]]
| shire_district = [[Mole Valley]]
| shire_county = [[Surrey]]
| shire_county = [[Surrey]]
| region = South East England
| region = South East England
| country = England
| country = England
| post_town = [[Dorking]]
| post_town = [[Dorking]]
| postcode_area = RH
| postcode_area = RH
| postcode_district = RH5
| postcode_district = RH5
| dial_code = 01306
| dial_code = 01306
| constituency_westminster = [[Mole Valley (UK Parliament constituency)|Mole Valley]]
| constituency_westminster = [[Dorking and Horley (UK Parliament constituency)|Dorking and Horley]]
}}
}}


'''Abinger''' is a large, well-wooded and mostly rural [[civil parish]] that lies between the settlements of [[Dorking]], [[Shere]] and [[Ewhurst, Surrey|Ewhurst]] in the district of [[Mole Valley]], Surrey, England. It adjoins [[Wotton, Surrey|Wotton Common]] on the same side of [[Leith Hill]] and includes Abinger Hammer, Sutton Abinger, Abinger Common, Forest Green, Walliswood, Oakwood Hill and some outskirts of [[Holmbury St Mary]]. More than half of the parish lies on the [[Greensand Ridge]], while the remainder is divided between the [[Vale of Holmesdale]] and the [[North Downs]].
'''Abinger''' is a large, well-wooded and mostly rural [[civil parish]] that lies between the settlements of [[Dorking]], [[Shere]] and [[Ewhurst, Surrey|Ewhurst]] in the district of [[Mole Valley]], Surrey, England.


It adjoins [[Wotton, Surrey|Wotton Common]] on the same side of [[Leith Hill]] and includes [[Abinger Hammer]], Sutton Abinger, Abinger Common, Forest Green, Walliswood, Oakwood Hill and some outskirts of [[Holmbury St Mary]]. More than half of the parish lies on the [[Greensand Ridge]], while the remainder is divided between the [[Vale of Holmesdale]] and the [[North Downs]].
[[File:abingerhatchchurch.jpg|200px|thumb|St James's Church, Abinger Common]]


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
{{See also|Vale of Holmesdale|Greensand Ridge}}
{{See also|Vale of Holmesdale|Greensand Ridge}}
⚫
;Streams and forest
⚫
The upper reach of the [[River Tillingbourne|Tilling Bourne]] runs through Abinger Hammer from east to west and is joined by the Holmbury St Mary stream on the western border. In the southwest by Sutton Abinger are Pasture Wood and [[Oxmoor Copse]], lower forested slopes of the [[Greensand Ridge]], projections from the [[Winterfold Forest|Winterfold/Hurt Wood forest]].


⚫
Abinger, including the dependent villages of Forest Green and Walliswood, ranks third in size in Surrey after [[Farnham, Surrey|Farnham]] and [[Cranleigh]].<ref name=ons /> Its list of localities is as set out in the introduction and make up what is called a [[strip parish]] reaching from the North Downs to the border of [[West Sussex]], the only parish in Surrey to do so.<ref>{{cite web |title=Home page |url=http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk |publisher=Abinger Parish Council |access-date=5 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112200114/http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk/ |archive-date=12 January 2012 |url-status = live}}</ref> The entire area is in the [[Surrey Hills AONB]].
⚫
;Hills
⚫
Southeast the land approaches the highest point in the Greensand Ridge, climbing through Abinger Common, more than halfway up [[Leith Hill]], reaching in the south-east corner of the parish an elevation of 248&nbsp;m above sea level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Elevation tool finder |url=http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ |accessdate=5 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122032040/http://gridreferencefinder.com/ |archive-date=22 November 2012 |dead-url=no}}</ref> Similarly to the north the parish reaches the top of the [[North Downs]], in the protruding arm of Mole Valley shown in the map above, across Abinger Roughs including the highest point before the northern boundary, in Oaken Grove, at Dunley Hill 227&nbsp;m above sea level; the parish here has the 11th highest 'hill' in Surrey along part of the fluctuating North Downs scarp.<ref>[http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html Database of British and Irish Hills] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805042151/http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html |date=5 August 2018 }} Retrieved 6 March 2015</ref>


⚫
===Streams and forest===
;Lowest elevation
⚫
The upper reach of the [[River Tillingbourne|Tilling Bourne]] runs through Abinger Hammer from east to west and is joined by the Holmbury St Mary stream on the western border. In the southwest by Sutton Abinger are Pasture Wood and [[Oxmoor Copse]], lower forested slopes of the [[Greensand Ridge]], projections from the [[Winterfold Forest|Winterfold/Hurt Wood forest]].
The lowest point is where the Tilling Bourne flows into [[Gomshall]] at 85&nbsp;m.


⚫
===Hills===
;Unusual size
⚫
Southeast the land approaches the highest point in the Greensand Ridge, climbing through Abinger Common, more than halfway up [[Leith Hill]], reaching in the south-east corner of the parish an elevation of {{cvt|248|m}} above sea level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Elevation tool finder |url=http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ |access-date=5 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122032040/http://gridreferencefinder.com/ |archive-date=22 November 2012 |url-status = live}}</ref> Similarly to the north the parish reaches the top of the [[North Downs]] in the protruding arm of Mole Valley, across Abinger Roughs including the highest point before the northern boundary, in Oaken Grove, at Dunley Hill {{cvt|227|m}} above sea level; the parish here has the 11th highest hill in Surrey along part of the fluctuating North Downs scarp.<ref>[http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html Database of British and Irish Hills] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805042151/http://www.hills-database.co.uk/downloads.html |date=5 August 2018 }} Retrieved 6 March 2015</ref> The lowest point is where the Tilling Bourne flows into [[Gomshall]] at {{cvt|85|m}}.
⚫
Abinger – including the much-dependent 'villages' of '''Forest Green''' and '''Walliswood''', ranks third in size (after the two largest civil parishes): [[Farnham, Surrey|Farnham]] and [[Cranleigh]].<ref name=ons /> Its list of localities is as set out in the introduction and altogether make up what is called a [[strip parish]] reaching to the border of [[West Sussex]]. As such this is the only parish in Surrey to reach from the North Downs to the West Sussex border.<ref>{{cite web |title=Home page |url=http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk |publisher=Abinger Parish Council |accessdate=5 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112200114/http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk/ |archive-date=12 January 2012 |dead-url=no}}</ref> The entire area is in the [[Surrey Hills AONB]].


== Transport ==
== Transport ==


; Roads : Only Abinger Hammer lies on the [[A25 road|A25 Guildford to Dorking road]], while the remainder of the area is served by more minor roads. No dual carriageways bisect the area.
; Roads : Abinger Hammer lies on the [[A25 road|A25 Guildford to Dorking road]], while the remainder of the area is served by more minor roads.


; Rail : The nearest railway station is nearby to the west at [[Gomshall railway station|Gomshall]] on the [[Reading, Berkshire|Reading]] to [[Gatwick Airport|Gatwick]] line.
; Rail : The nearest railway station is to the west at [[Gomshall railway station|Gomshall]] on the [[North Downs Line]] from [[Reading, Berkshire|Reading]] to [[Gatwick Airport|Gatwick]].


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Abinger Motte - geograph.org.uk - 817469.jpg|thumb|Abinger Manor Motte]]
[[File:Abinger Motte - geograph.org.uk - 817469.jpg|thumb|Abinger Manor Motte]]


A [[mesolithic]] burial site on the south east of Abinger Common is testament to the long time in which the area has been inhabited. There is also evidence of [[strip farming]].<ref>[http://www.surreyarchaeology.org.uk/system/files/Bulletin+index.pdf Surrey Archaeology]{{dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Remains of a [[Roman Britain|Romano-British]] villa, a [[Scheduled monument|Scheduled Ancient Monument]], lie approximately 120&nbsp;m east of Abinger Hall stables.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1019640|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref>
A [[mesolithic]] burial site on the south east of Abinger Common is testament to the long time in which the area has been inhabited. There is also evidence of [[strip farming]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110727034036/http://www.surreyarchaeology.org.uk/system/files/Bulletin+index.pdf Surrey Archaeology]</ref> Remains of a [[Roman Britain|Romano-British]] villa, a [[Scheduled monument|Scheduled Ancient Monument]], lie approximately 120&nbsp;m east of Abinger Hall stables.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1019640|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref>


Abinger is recorded in the ''[[Domesday Book]]'' as the location ''Abinceborne'' held by William de Braiose, with assets of 4 hides, 1 church, 1 mill worth 6&nbsp;[[Shilling|s]], 7 ploughs, {{convert|3|acre|ha}} of meadow; and woodland worth 40 hogs. The total rendered was £7.<ref>[http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm Surrey ''Domesday Book''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715015325/http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm |date=15 July 2007 }}</ref>
Abinger is recorded in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 as ''Abinceborne'' held by William son of Ansculf. It was assessed for tax at 6 hides in 1066 and 4 hides by 1086. There was land for 9 plough teams with 2 plough teams working the lord's land. There were 10 villagers and 7 smallholders with a further 5 plough teams. There was a church and 5 slaves, 1 mill worth 6&nbsp;[[Shilling|s]], 3 acres of meadow; and from woodland and pasture the manor rendered 40 pigs. The total value in 1066 was £8, and when acquired by William son of Ansculf and in 1086 was £7.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morris |first1=John |title=Domesday Book Surrey |date=1975 |publisher=Phillimore |location=Chichester |isbn=0 85033 132 3 |page=36a}}</ref> <ref>[http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm Surrey ''Domesday Book''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715015325/http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm |date=15 July 2007 }}</ref>


[[File:Church at Abinger Common - geograph.org.uk - 1159849.jpg|thumb|[[St James's Church, Abinger Common]]]]
[[File:Church at Abinger Common - geograph.org.uk - 1159849.jpg|thumb|[[St James's Church, Abinger Common]]]]


The church of the Abingers is the [[Church of England|C of E]] [[St James's Church, Abinger Common|church of St James at Abinger Common]], which is a II* class [[listed building]] whose nave is 11th century, [[chancel]] and north chapel built 1220 [[Common Era|CE]], reconstructed in 1857, damaged by a V1 [[flying bomb]] in 1944,<ref name=shell>{{cite book |editor1-last=Hadfield |editor1-first=John |editor2-last=Jenkins |editor2-first=Alan |title=The Shell Book of English Villages |date=1980 |publisher=Michael Joseph |location=London |isbn=0 7181 1900 2 |page=71}}</ref> and restored 1950 by Frederick Etchells.<ref>{{NHLE| num=1378082|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref> The headquarters of the Lutyens Trust is based in the village at [[Goddards]] (designed by Sir [[Edwin Lutyens]]). Lutyens also designed [[Abinger Common War Memorial]]. Opposite the church is the 19th century Evelyn Hall which has recently been completely refurbished and can be hired for events. Next to the Hall is the village pub, the Abinger Hatch. To the west of the village is [[Oxmoor Copse]] which is an [[AONB|Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]].
The church of the Abingers is the [[Church of England|C of E]] [[St James's Church, Abinger Common|church of St James at Abinger Common]], which is a II* class [[listed building]] whose nave is 11th century, [[chancel]] and north chapel built 1220 [[Common Era|CE]], reconstructed in 1857, damaged by a V1 [[flying bomb]] in 1944,<ref name=shell>{{cite book |editor1-last=Hadfield |editor1-first=John |editor2-last=Jenkins |editor2-first=Alan |title=The Shell Book of English Villages |date=1980 |publisher=Michael Joseph |location=London |isbn=0 7181 1900 2 |page=71}}</ref> and restored 1950 by Frederick Etchells.<ref>{{NHLE| num=1378082|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> The headquarters of the Lutyens Trust is based in the village at [[Goddards]] (designed by Sir [[Edwin Lutyens]]). Lutyens also designed [[Abinger Common War Memorial]]. Opposite the church is the 19th century Evelyn Hall which has recently been completely refurbished and can be hired for events. To the west of the village is [[Oxmoor Copse]] which is an [[AONB|Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]].

⚫
The church of St John the Baptist in Walliswood also has class II* listed building status.<ref>{{NHLE| num=1028844|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref>


⚫
The church of St John the Baptist in Walliswood also has class II* listed building status.<ref>{{NHLE| num=1028844|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref>
[[File:The Abinger Hatch - geograph.org.uk - 817511.jpg|thumb|The Abinger Hatch]]
[[File:The Abinger Hatch - geograph.org.uk - 817511.jpg|thumb|The Abinger Hatch]]
Sutton Abinger has a pub called The Volunteer and {{convert|0.5|mi}} east in Abinger Common is the [[Scheduled monument|Scheduled Ancient Monument]] [[Motte and Bailey|Motte]] "Castle" at Abinger Manor,<ref>{{NHLE| num=1012579|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref> the grade II [[listed building|listed]] manor itself<ref>{{NHLE| num=1028827|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref> and opposite St James Church, see above, are three-person [[stocks]]<ref>{{NHLE| num=1028840|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref> and a [[public house]] The Abinger Hatch with a green picnic area is 17th century, [[Timber framed]], clad in whitewashed brick with whitewashed render, shown right.<ref name="NHLE| num=1378083">{{NHLE| num=1378083|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref>
Sutton Abinger has a pub called The ''Volunteer'' and {{convert|0.5|mi}} east in Abinger Common is the [[Scheduled monument|Scheduled Ancient Monument]] [[Motte and Bailey|Motte]] "Castle" at Abinger Manor,<ref>{{NHLE| num=1012579|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> the grade II [[listed building|listed]] manor itself<ref>{{NHLE| num=1028827|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> and opposite St James Church are three-person [[stocks]]<ref>{{NHLE| num=1028840|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> and a [[public house]], the ''Abinger Hatch'', which dates from the 17th century, [[timber framed]], clad in whitewashed brick with whitewashed render and with a green picnic area.<ref name="NHLE| num=1378083">{{NHLE| num=1378083|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref>


Abinger Hammer contains two grade II* listed buildings, Paddington farmhouse, which is 15th century, listed as ''possibly earlier'', extended in the 16th century, which is also whitewashed; and Crossways farmhouse built 1610, clad in sandstone blocks with brick dressings with a panelled 17th century door.<ref name="NHLE| num=1378083" /><ref>{{NHLE| num=1189524|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref> Crossways is the setting for [[George Meredith]]'s 1885 novel, ''[[Diana of the Crossways]]''.<ref name=shell />
Abinger Hammer contains two grade II* listed buildings, Paddington farmhouse, which is 15th century, listed as ''possibly earlier'', extended in the 16th century, which is also whitewashed; and Crossways farmhouse built 1610, clad in sandstone blocks with brick dressings with a panelled 17th-century door.<ref name="NHLE| num=1378083" /><ref>{{NHLE| num=1189524|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> Crossways is the setting for [[George Meredith]]'s 1885 novel, ''[[Diana of the Crossways]]''.<ref name=shell />


Fulvens House which also lies between the Abingers actually over the western border<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/164314 |title=Fulvens House photo |access-date=2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812061622/http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/164314 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article1389306.ece |title=Properties from Times On Line |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402181915/http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article1389306.ece |archive-date=2 April 2007 |dead-url=no}}</ref> and it may date back to 1628.<ref>{{NHLE| num=1294281|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref>
Fulvens House, which also lies between the Abingers, is actually over the western border<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/164314 |title=Fulvens House photo |access-date=2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812061622/http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/164314 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article1389306.ece |title=Properties from Times On Line |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402181915/http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article1389306.ece |archive-date=2 April 2007 |url-status = dead}}</ref> and it may date back to 1628.<ref>{{NHLE| num=1294281|access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref>


== Demographics, economy and housing ==
== Demographics, economy and housing ==
Line 114: Line 112:


== Sport and amenities ==
== Sport and amenities ==
[[File:The Volunteer, Sutton Abinger - geograph.org.uk - 1160853.jpg|thumb|''The Volunteer'']]
[[File:Abinger Hammer Cricket Pitch - geograph.org.uk - 523348.jpg|thumb|Cricket at Abinger Hammer]]
⚫
[[File:Cricket at Abinger Hammer - geograph.org.uk - 819243.jpg|thumb|Cricket at Abinger Hammer]]


Cricket is played across the parish, with a notable team at Abinger Hammer.
Cricket is played across the parish, with a notable team at Abinger Hammer.


There are three village halls with activities and events and three playgrounds across the parish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Various minutes of parish council meetings |url=http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk |publisher=Abinger Parish Council |accessdate=6 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112200114/http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk/ |archive-date=12 January 2012 |dead-url=no}}</ref>
There are three village halls with activities and events and three playgrounds across the parish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Various minutes of parish council meetings |url=http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk |publisher=Abinger Parish Council |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112200114/http://www.abinger-pc.gov.uk/ |archive-date=12 January 2012 |url-status = live}}</ref>


⚫
[[File:The Volunteer, Sutton Abinger - geograph.org.uk - 1160853.jpg|thumb|The Volunteer pub]]
Other than the public houses listed above, there is also the Abinger Arms (see [[Baron Abinger]] in Abinger Hammer) and a pub in Walliswood.
Other than the public houses listed above, there is also the ''Abinger Arms'' (see [[Baron Abinger]] in Abinger Hammer) and the ''Scarlett Arms'' in Walliswood.


== Notable residents ==
== Notable residents ==
* [[Baron Abinger]]
* [[Baron Abinger]]
* [[E.M. Forster]] lived at West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, 1925–1945
* The novelist [[E.M. Forster]] lived at West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, 1925–1945
* [[Prunella Scales]] was born in Sutton Abinger in 1932.
* The actress [[Prunella Scales]], known for playing [[Sybil Fawlty]], was born in Sutton Abinger in 1932.
* [[Arthur Brooke (entrepreneur)|Arthur Brooke]], the Brooke Bond tea founder, lived in Abinger Common
* [[Arthur Brooke (entrepreneur)|Arthur Brooke]], the Brooke Bond tea founder, lived in Abinger Common


Line 136: Line 134:


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Abinger}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category|Abinger Common}}
{{Commons category|Abinger Hammer}}
* [http://www.stainedglassrecords.org/Ch.asp?ChId=13378 Stained Glass Windows at St. James Abinger, Surrey]
* [http://www.stainedglassrecords.org/Ch.asp?ChId=13378 Stained Glass Windows at St. James Abinger, Surrey]
* [http://www.stjameschurchabinger.org/ St James's Church, Abinger]
* [http://www.stjameschurchabinger.org/ St James's Church, Abinger]
Line 147: Line 143:


{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location
| title = '''Nearest settlements'''
| title = 'Nearest settlements'
| Centre = Abinger
| Centre = Abinger
| North = [[Effingham, Surrey|Effingham]]
| North = [[Effingham, Surrey|Effingham]]
Line 158: Line 154:
| Northwest = [[East Horsley]]
| Northwest = [[East Horsley]]
}}
}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Mole Valley]]
[[Category:Mole Valley]]

Latest revision as of 18:24, 18 October 2024

Abinger
Civil parish
Looking across arable land from Abinger Common towards Abinger Hammer
Abinger is located in Surrey
Abinger
Abinger
Location within Surrey
Area30.17 km2 (11.65 sq mi)
Population1,905 (UK Census 2011)[1]
• Density63/km2 (160/sq mi)
OS grid referenceTQ1101
Civil parish
  • Abinger
District
Shire county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townDorking
Postcode districtRH5
Dialling code01306
PoliceSurrey
FireSurrey
AmbulanceSouth East Coast
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Surrey
51°12′N 0°23′W / 51.20°N 0.39°W / 51.20; -0.39

Abinger is a large, well-wooded and mostly rural civil parish that lies between the settlements of Dorking, Shere and Ewhurst in the district of Mole Valley, Surrey, England.

It adjoins Wotton Common on the same side of Leith Hill and includes Abinger Hammer, Sutton Abinger, Abinger Common, Forest Green, Walliswood, Oakwood Hill and some outskirts of Holmbury St Mary. More than half of the parish lies on the Greensand Ridge, while the remainder is divided between the Vale of Holmesdale and the North Downs.

Geography

[edit]
See also: Vale of Holmesdale and Greensand Ridge

Abinger, including the dependent villages of Forest Green and Walliswood, ranks third in size in Surrey after Farnham and Cranleigh.[1] Its list of localities is as set out in the introduction and make up what is called a strip parish reaching from the North Downs to the border of West Sussex, the only parish in Surrey to do so.[2] The entire area is in the Surrey Hills AONB.

Streams and forest

[edit]

The upper reach of the Tilling Bourne runs through Abinger Hammer from east to west and is joined by the Holmbury St Mary stream on the western border. In the southwest by Sutton Abinger are Pasture Wood and Oxmoor Copse, lower forested slopes of the Greensand Ridge, projections from the Winterfold/Hurt Wood forest.

Hills

[edit]

Southeast the land approaches the highest point in the Greensand Ridge, climbing through Abinger Common, more than halfway up Leith Hill, reaching in the south-east corner of the parish an elevation of 248 m (814 ft) above sea level.[3] Similarly to the north the parish reaches the top of the North Downs in the protruding arm of Mole Valley, across Abinger Roughs including the highest point before the northern boundary, in Oaken Grove, at Dunley Hill 227 m (745 ft) above sea level; the parish here has the 11th highest hill in Surrey along part of the fluctuating North Downs scarp.[4] The lowest point is where the Tilling Bourne flows into Gomshall at 85 m (279 ft).

Transport

[edit]
Roads
Abinger Hammer lies on the A25 Guildford to Dorking road, while the remainder of the area is served by more minor roads.
Rail
The nearest railway station is to the west at Gomshall on the North Downs Line from Reading to Gatwick.

History

[edit]
Abinger Manor Motte

A mesolithic burial site on the south east of Abinger Common is testament to the long time in which the area has been inhabited. There is also evidence of strip farming.[5] Remains of a Romano-British villa, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, lie approximately 120 m east of Abinger Hall stables.[6]

Abinger is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Abinceborne held by William son of Ansculf. It was assessed for tax at 6 hides in 1066 and 4 hides by 1086. There was land for 9 plough teams with 2 plough teams working the lord's land. There were 10 villagers and 7 smallholders with a further 5 plough teams. There was a church and 5 slaves, 1 mill worth 6 s, 3 acres of meadow; and from woodland and pasture the manor rendered 40 pigs. The total value in 1066 was £8, and when acquired by William son of Ansculf and in 1086 was £7.[7] [8]

St James's Church, Abinger Common

The church of the Abingers is the C of E church of St James at Abinger Common, which is a II* class listed building whose nave is 11th century, chancel and north chapel built 1220 CE, reconstructed in 1857, damaged by a V1 flying bomb in 1944,[9] and restored 1950 by Frederick Etchells.[10] The headquarters of the Lutyens Trust is based in the village at Goddards (designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens). Lutyens also designed Abinger Common War Memorial. Opposite the church is the 19th century Evelyn Hall which has recently been completely refurbished and can be hired for events. To the west of the village is Oxmoor Copse which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The church of St John the Baptist in Walliswood also has class II* listed building status.[11]

The Abinger Hatch

Sutton Abinger has a pub called The Volunteer and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) east in Abinger Common is the Scheduled Ancient Monument Motte "Castle" at Abinger Manor,[12] the grade II listed manor itself[13] and opposite St James Church are three-person stocks[14] and a public house, the Abinger Hatch, which dates from the 17th century, timber framed, clad in whitewashed brick with whitewashed render and with a green picnic area.[15]

Abinger Hammer contains two grade II* listed buildings, Paddington farmhouse, which is 15th century, listed as possibly earlier, extended in the 16th century, which is also whitewashed; and Crossways farmhouse built 1610, clad in sandstone blocks with brick dressings with a panelled 17th-century door.[15][16] Crossways is the setting for George Meredith's 1885 novel, Diana of the Crossways.[9]

Fulvens House, which also lies between the Abingers, is actually over the western border[17][18] and it may date back to 1628.[19]

Demographics, economy and housing

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In 2001, Abinger had a population of 1,858 in 717 households. Abinger covers an area of 30.17 square kilometres (11.65 sq mi).[1] Of the population 12.2% were aged over 65; 3.8% of the population were in full-time further education; 85.1% of all men were economically active whereas 2.8% were unemployed, 6.1% worked part-time; 60% of all women were economically active whereas 2.7% were unemployed, 34.6% worked part-time.[20]

As to ethnicity, 99.94% of the population identified themselves as being white, 6 residents identified with one of the other main categories.[20]

In terms of religion, 77.7%% of the population responded as being Christian, 0% as Muslim, 0.8% other religions, 13.7% as atheist and 8.2% declined to answer.[20]

Abinger's economy is predominantly one in the service sector reflected by a low concentration at one end of the official categorisation table of occupation stated, compiled from the 2001 census:

Category Number of adults in category in 2001 Percentage of those aged 16–74
Lower supervisory and technical occupations 79 5.9%
Semi-routine occupations 99 7.4%
Routine occupations 71 5.3%[20]

Whereas 25.5% of the population worked in lower managerial and professional occupations and 9.2% in higher professional occupations.[20]

Housing and home ownership

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2011 Census Homes
Output area Detached Semi-detached Terraced Flats and apartments Caravans/temporary/mobile homes shared between households[1]
(Civil Parish) 399 246 39 51 2 2

The average level of accommodation in the region composed of detached houses was 28%, the average that was apartments was 22.6%.

2011 Census Key Statistics
Output area Population Households % Owned outright % Owned with a loan hectares[1]
(Civil Parish) 1,905 739 37.1% 34.2% 3017

The proportion of households in the civil parish who owned their home outright compares to the regional average of 35.1%. The proportion who owned their home with a loan compares to the regional average of 32.5%. The remaining % is made up of rented dwellings (plus a negligible % of households living rent-free).

Education

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Abinger Common First School merged with Westcott School in 2010 to become a two-site all-through primary school.[21]

Sport and amenities

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Cricket at Abinger Hammer

Cricket is played across the parish, with a notable team at Abinger Hammer.

There are three village halls with activities and events and three playgrounds across the parish.[22]

The Volunteer pub

Other than the public houses listed above, there is also the Abinger Arms (see Baron Abinger in Abinger Hammer) and the Scarlett Arms in Walliswood.

Notable residents

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Key Statistics; Quick Statistics: Population Density Archived 11 February 2003 at the Wayback Machine United Kingdom Census 2011 Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  2. ^ "Home page". Abinger Parish Council. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  3. ^ "Elevation tool finder". Archived from the original on 22 November 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  4. ^ Database of British and Irish Hills Archived 5 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 6 March 2015
  5. ^ Surrey Archaeology
  6. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1019640)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  7. ^ Morris, John (1975). Domesday Book Surrey. Chichester: Phillimore. p. 36a. ISBN 0 85033 132 3.
  8. ^ Surrey Domesday Book Archived 15 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ a b Hadfield, John; Jenkins, Alan, eds. (1980). The Shell Book of English Villages. London: Michael Joseph. p. 71. ISBN 0 7181 1900 2.
  10. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1378082)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  11. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1028844)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  12. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1012579)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  13. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1028827)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  14. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1028840)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  15. ^ a b Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1378083)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  16. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1189524)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  17. ^ "Fulvens House photo". Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  18. ^ "Properties from Times On Line". Archived from the original on 2 April 2007. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  19. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1294281)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  20. ^ a b c d e Surrey County Council 2001 collated census statistics
  21. ^ About us Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "Various minutes of parish council meetings". Abinger Parish Council. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
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