Shere

Shere is a village in the Guildford (borough), located in the county of Surrey, near the town of Guildford and the village of Gomshall. The village is situated in the North Downs and is close to the River Tillingbourne, which flows into the River Wey and eventually into the River Thames. Shere is also near the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Box Hill (Surrey).

Introduction

Shere is a small village with a rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was recorded as a settlement with a Church of England parish church, St James' Church, Shere. The village has been associated with several notable figures, including Lewis Carroll, who is said to have visited the village and been inspired by its scenery, and Eric Ravilious, a British artist who lived in the village. Shere has also been featured in several films and television shows, including Bridget Jones's Diary (film), The Holiday (2006 film), and Midsomer Murders.

Geography

Shere is located in the Surrey Hills, an area of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southeastern England. The village is situated near the North Downs Way, a long-distance footpath that runs from Farnham to Dover, and is close to the River Tillingbourne, which flows into the River Wey and eventually into the River Thames. The village is also near the Newlands Corner, a popular spot for walking and hiking, and the Albury Park, a historic estate with a Church of England church, St Peter and St Paul's Church, Albury. Shere is surrounded by several other villages, including Gomshall, Abinger, and Holmbury St Mary, and is close to the towns of Guildford and Dorking.

History

The history of Shere dates 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 Pilgrim's Way. In the Middle Ages, Shere was an important center for the wool trade, with several mills and fulling houses along the River Tillingbourne. The village was also a major stopping point for pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral, and was mentioned in the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Shere has been associated with several notable historical events, including the English Civil War, when the village was a stronghold for the Roundheads, and the Napoleonic Wars, when the village was a center for the British Army.

Demographics

According to the 2011 United Kingdom census, the population of Shere is approximately 1,500 people, with a mix of young and old residents. The village has a strong sense of community, with several local organizations, including the Shere Parish Council, the Shere Village Hall, and the Shere Community Trust. The village is also home to several Church of England churches, including St James' Church, Shere and St Mark's Church, Peaslake, and has a strong connection to the Diocese of Guildford. Shere is close to several other villages and towns, including Gomshall, Abinger, and Guildford, and is within commuting distance to London.

Economy

The economy of Shere is primarily based on agriculture, with several farms and estates in the area, including the Albury Park and the Shere Manor. The village is also home to several small businesses, including shops, restaurants, and pubs, such as the White Horse (Shere) and the William Bray (pub). Shere is close to several major employers, including the University of Surrey, the Royal Surrey County Hospital, and the Guildford Borough Council. The village is also a popular tourist destination, with several attractions, including the Shere Museum, the Tillingbourne Waterfall, and the Newlands Corner, which attract visitors from across the United Kingdom and beyond, including France, Germany, and the United States. Category:Villages in Surrey