Cobham, Surrey

Cobham is a small town in Surrey, about 20 miles south-west of London. The river Mole, a tributary of the Thames, almost encircles Cobham and provides a distinctly rural appearance in some places. The river provides a setting for Cobham's best-known landmark which is the red brick water mill which dates from the early 19th century and which stands on the site of earlier mills dating back to the middle ages. Recently restored to full working order, the mill is probably unique in Surrey and is open to the public on certain days of the month.

Cobham is an ancient settlement whose origins can be traced back through Roman times to the Iron Age. At the time of the Domesday Book (1086) it was known as Coveham or Covenham which is thought to mean a settlement in the curve of a river.

It has always had a quiet village atmosphere, partly due to the picturesque riverbank with weeping willows, swans & water mill. However it is rapidly losing its unique atmosphere to urbanisation. Old unique local business, such as the furniture shop on Anyards Rd, are being converted into high density flats.

Cobham has a particularly high international population due to the presence of the ACS Cobham international school (formerly The American Community School of Cobham) and a branch of the (Dutch) Rijnlands Lyceum within Reeds School.

Other schools include St Andrew's Primary School, Feltonfleet, Notre Dame

The main attraction for visitors to Cobham is Painshill Park which is considered to be amongst the finest eighteenth century landscape gardens. It is one of the great gardens of Europe and can be visited on open days during the week.

On the outskirts of Cobham is Stoke d'Abernon, whose name is taken from a family who settled here at time of the Norman conquest in 1066. Its ancient parish church contains some of the oldest monumental brasses in the country. Nowadays the Manor House houses Parkside School. Nearby is the world-famous Yehudi Menuhin School. In 2005 the English Premiership football club Chelsea FC moved their training to Stoke D'Abernon on the outskirts of Cobham.

Cobham is known for the movement called the Diggers. Other nearby areas include Ockham Common and Chatley Heath, which has one of the last remaining semaphore towers.

The local newspaper is the Cobham News & Mail).

Not to be confused with Chobham, Surrey.

Cobham Park (Personal page about Cobham Park)