Welcome to Bletchingly
Bletchingly is a charming village located in Surrey, surrounding by countryside and rolling hills. This historic village offers a peaceful and rural setting for residents, and is rich in history, natural beauty whilst also providing a strong sense of community.
History
Bletchingly has a rich history which can be traced to ancient times. Evidence suggests that the area was inhabited during the Bronze Age as a centre for agriculture. It is referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Blachingelei”, and during the medieval period grew as an agricultural and market town. It was also a producer of iron, with the Bletchingely Forge being notable.
Bletchingley Castle was a fortified manor house that was building in the 14th century. It underwent many changes over time, including in the Tudor era, and although it does not still exist, remnants can still be seen in the village today.
In 1215, Bletchingley received a royal charter for its weekly market, and the market tradition continues to this day.
During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Bletchingley Castle played a part in the English Civil War when it was garrisoned for the Parliamentarian forces. However, this ultimately led to its demise as it was partially demolished afterwards to prevent further military use.
The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century played a vital role in the town’s development, connecting it to London. The Victorian era also led to the construction of many elegant homes that still stand today.
Location and Transport
Bletchingley is well located for those hoping to have a rural retreat whilst maintaining good accessibility. Situated near Redhill, it is well served by road, with the M25 nearby, whilst Redhill itself has fantastic rail links into London, to Gatwick and other main towns.
Local Amenities
Bletchingly has a variety of small local shops, including a post office and convenience stores. Nearby towns Redhill, Reigate and Oxted also provide further shops, restaurants and other services. Bletchingly also has a village pub, The Bletchingly Arms, which is a traditional pub with a warm atmosphere.
Bletchingly has its own church, St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful church in the heart of the village, and Marden Park is nearby which is ideal for walking and enjoying the local countryside.