Abinger Hammer

Abinger Hammer is a small village located in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, near the town of Dorking and the village of Abinger Common. The village is situated close to the North Downs and is surrounded by scenic countryside, including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Abinger Hammer is also near the River Mole, which flows through the nearby Box Hill and Leith Hill. The village is home to several historic buildings, including the Abinger Hammer Clock Tower, which was built in the 19th century.

Introduction

Abinger Hammer is a small but historic village with a rich cultural heritage, having been mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The village has been home to several notable residents, including the Austen family, who were related to the famous author Jane Austen. The village is also close to the Polesden Lacey estate, which was once the home of Margaret Greville, a wealthy socialite and friend of King Edward VII. Abinger Hammer has also been associated with the Surrey Archaeological Society, which has conducted several excavations in the area, including at the nearby Abinger Motte.

Geography

Abinger Hammer is located in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, which is known for its scenic countryside and historic villages. The village is situated near the North Downs, a range of hills that stretches across Surrey and Kent. The River Mole flows through the nearby Box Hill and Leith Hill, which are both popular destinations for walkers and nature lovers. Abinger Hammer is also close to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which covers a large area of countryside in Surrey and is home to several historic sites, including the Abinger Castle and the Wotton House. The village is surrounded by several other historic villages, including Abinger Common, Gomshall, and Shere.

History

Abinger Hammer has a long and varied history, dating back to the Iron Age when the area was inhabited by the Atrebates tribe. The village was later settled by the Romans, who built a road through the area, now known as the Stane Street. During the Middle Ages, the village was owned by the Abinger Manor, which was held by the Earl of Surrey. The village was also home to a watermill, which was built in the 17th century and is now a private residence. Abinger Hammer has been associated with several notable events, including the English Civil War, when the village was a key location for the Parliamentarian forces. The village is also close to the Battle of Sutton Chase, which took place in 1648.

Economy

The economy of Abinger Hammer is largely based on agriculture, with several farms in the area producing crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. The village is also home to several small businesses, including a post office, a village shop, and a pub, the Abinger Hammer Inn. The village is close to several major employers, including the University of Surrey, the Royal Surrey County Hospital, and the Dorking headquarters of the Surrey County Council. Abinger Hammer is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to visit the nearby Polesden Lacey estate, the Box Hill and Leith Hill countryside, and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Culture

Abinger Hammer has a rich cultural heritage, with several historic buildings and landmarks in the area. The village is home to the Abinger Hammer Clock Tower, which was built in the 19th century and is now a private residence. The village is also close to the Polesden Lacey estate, which was once the home of Margaret Greville, a wealthy socialite and friend of King Edward VII. Abinger Hammer has been associated with several notable cultural figures, including the Austen family, who were related to the famous author Jane Austen. The village is also close to the Surrey Arts Centre, which hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. The village is also home to the Abinger Hammer Village Hall, which hosts several community events, including the Abinger Hammer Village Fete and the Surrey Village Games. Category:Villages in Surrey