EPSOM OPEN DAYS - Visit Surrey
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EPSOM 10-18 SEPTEMBER 2021 HERITAGE O P E N DAY S
� Journey
�rough Opposite: The soothing Epsom salts
were discovered at Epsom Wells over
�psom’s ��t
400 years ago.
Left: The Epsom Derby, painting by
Théodore Géricault, 1821
Below: As an avid racehorse owner
the Queen has enjoyed watching
f 10-18 SEPTEMBER 2021 many horses run on the historic
Epsom Downs.
F or a small town, Epsom’s horseracing heritage can be traced back to
Epsom packs a big May 1648, during the English Civil War. The Earl of
historical punch. There’s Clarendon in his History of the Rebellion relates, “a
evidence of its rich past meeting of the royalists was held on Banstead Downs,
everywhere, with listed under the pretence of a horse race, and six
buildings and landmarks hundred horses were collected and
waiting to be explored marched to Reigate.” For such an
and appreciated. The under-cover rendezvous to take
Assembly Rooms, built place, racing at Epsom must have
in 1692, was the first been a regular and well attended
premises of its kind in occasion.
the country, catering to visitors to Epsom’s Wells. The
Wells established the town as a place of leisure, as Under the Commonwealth (1649-
visitors were drawn to Epsom, one of the country’s first 60), horseracing was banned, but
“spa towns”. upon its demise, the first recorded
race meeting in the country took
Throughout the years Epsom has seen its fair share place at Epsom on 7 March 1661, in the presence
of famous visitor and residents, Samuel Pepys wrote of Charles II. Next year, Epsom will celebrate
about his visits to Epsom and its Wells in his diaries. the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and she will be at
Nell Gwynn, Daniel Defoe, Mrs Beeton, and members The Epsom Derby as part of those celebrations.
of the Royal family, have all made a point of visiting A new date to go into the history books!
Epsom over the years, attracted by its reputation as
the most fashionable place to be seen. Use Heritage Open Days weekend to explore and
love where you live, there’s plenty for you to discover!
�e �ig It didn’t see the road again until
October 2003 when it was rescued
�creen
from a field, minus the gearbox (and
gearstick) stolen from it.
In 2015, there was a potential
sighting of one of the original
Cinema trailers. On visiting a farm
in Sussex, it turned out to be the
T H E V I N T A G E exact same trailer with the same
MOBILE CINEMA registration (KJU267E). The farmer
In Epsom on Friday ��th was using the trailer as a carpentry
and Saturday ��th September workshop. He kindly sold the
trailer back and the mobile cinema
f The Vintage Mobile Cinema is and trailer were re-connected again
quite literally unique. for the first time in 40 years.
In the early 1960s the
Government researched the idea of
a mobile cinema that could travel
around to engineering firms giving
training sessions on how to improve
industrial productivity. A prototype
Mobile Cinema was created and by
�ehind
1964 this was visiting engineering
firms and giving training sessions.
In 1967, The Ministry of
the �cen� Technology built seven of these
custom mobile cinemas to tour
the country, promoting modern
production techniques to British
industry.
E PSO M PL AYHOUS E Films would be played within
Open Friday ��th September the cinema, with supporting
displays shown in the trailer that
f Epsom Playhouse Theatre has The Playhouse free backstage tours accompanied the towing unit.
been packing in the crowds and this year will be on In 1974 the Government sold
entertaining us all since the 1980s. off the mobile cinemas, and this
We’re all familiar with sitting back Friday ��th September at: one is the sole survivor as far as is
in our seats to be entertained ��am / �pm / �pm / �pm known.
but a guided backstage tour is
fascinating! See how props and Each tour will last around 90 minutes
scenes are manged, understand how
lighting and special effects work.
and is restricted to a maximum of 20
people, suitable footwear is advised. The
“�e �ost �mazing
Get a proper feeling of what it’s like
to be ‘behind the scenes’.
tour will involve several flights of stairs
and manoeuvring in restricted spaces. �inema �us in the �orld.”
G E O R G E C L A R K E , A M A Z I N G S PA C E S
�rts for
all in �psom
THE HORTON
Open Saturday ��th and Sunday
��th September
f Book to join a behind-the-
Christ Church Epsom,
scenes tour inside the former
described as “one of
the most beautiful Horton Chapel as it is converted After being semi-derelict for several
churches in Surrey.”
into a new cultural venue. Includes decades, this last surviving chapel
an exclusive preview of the new of Epsom’s hospital cluster was
�oing to Window over the High Altar which
was installed in the 1950s to replace
permanent exhibition exploring the
history of Epsom’s vast psychiatric
hospital cluster during the 20th
saved by local people with a vision
to renovate the chapel and run it
as a not-for-profit centre for arts,
the �hapel the original window that was
damaged beyond repair by enemy
century.
Horton Chapel, also known as
heritage and events - called The
Horton. Work is not yet complete
action in 1941. Harewood Hall, was built in 1901 and The Horton is not currently
Perhaps the most striking by Victorian architect G T Hine, open to the public.
features on entering the church are: famed for designing what were Tours will have timed entry and
C H R I S T C H U R C H the mural over the Chancel arch (in then called asylums. Partitioned in exit to allow as many people as
EPSOM memory of the Revd George Willes, the 1960s, it became Europe’s first possible to visit safely. Places are
Open Saturday ��th and Sunday the first Vicar 1874-81); and, under centre for music therapy. limited.
��th September it, the Rood Screen (in memory of
William Sampson Trotter) through Booking details will be published in
f St Martin’s established the first which is seen the exquisite mosaic September on The Horton’s website:
Christ Church in 1843 to serve the work behind the High Altar thehortonepsom.org
needs of an ever expanding town. and around the East Window in
The temporary structure was memory of his parents, William and
replaced in 1845 by a brick building Mary Elizabeth Trotter.
As the local population grew,
Christ Church became a free- Christ Church will be open for self-
standing parish in 1874 and Chapel guided tours from ��-�pm on Saturday
was replaced by the present, much ��th and Sunday ��th September.
larger building in 1876. Leaflets and information will be
Christ Church is blessed with provided to visitors. From the fanfare of opening
many fine decorative features, many in 1901 to final closure in
1997, Horton Chapel’s role
of which given as memorials. The was to provide solace for
extensive stained glass was almost people experiencing mental
distress; as a place of wor-
all installed before 1900 – the ship and from 1961 also as a
principal exception being the East music therapy centre.
�hat �i� �eneath?
A S H L E Y R OA D
D E E P S H E LT E R
Open Saturday ��th September
f Deep beneath the woods, The guided tours are strictly
Theories abound about
alongside Ashley Road is the limited to 20 people for each tour. the Deep Shelter’s
mysterious Ashley Road Deep Suitable footwear should be worn. origins – you can make
up your own mind after
Shelter. It’s only a few minutes out Unfortunately, due to the terrain a guided tour.
of Epsom’s busy town centre but and the entry to the shelter, it is
very few people are aware of its not wheelchair accessible and is not
existence. suitable for anyone who lives with
No one understands why the mobility problems.
shelter was built, no one knows If you are not able to secure
when it was built. It was used a ticket, you can read about its
extensively during World War 2, but history in far greater detail on the
it’s history before then is unknown - Epsom & Ewell History Explorer
there are lots of interesting theories website at eehe.org.uk
though! If you are a fan of Airsoft,
This year, on Saturday 11th the Deep Shelter is used on
September, the Deep Shelter is Wednesdays and Sundays, go to
open to the public for guided tours incursionairsoft.co.uk
at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
�psom’s �ıdden
��tory �rail
Find these locations around Epsom
centre and answer the questions.
What year was this Whose foot is this? Name these 2 Who met here in the
clock unveiled? thoroughbreds? 17th Century?
� �alk
�rough ��me
Whose house is this? What’s the number Who dreamed of How many Oaks
EPSOM CIVIC below? cooking here? below here?
SOCIETY
f If you’ve spent more time Taking a self guided walk is a
exploring your local area in the past wonderful way to while away a few
18 months, you probably think you hours and Epsom Civic Society’s
know it well. Spend a few hours illustrations and descriptions are
with one of Epsom Civic Society’s incredibly detailed – it’s a wonderful
Guided Walks and you’ll look at way to spend a few hours.
Illustration by Clare Louise Mallison
Epsom with a fresh pair of eyes.
Photos and teeth in When was this former When did all women When was the
You can download two guided Church Street, but bank established? get the vote? Diamond Jubilee
when was it built? of the union of
heritage walks from their website at Epsom & Ewell?
epsomcivicsociety.org.uk/heritage/
��tory D U R DA N S
Open �am – �� noon
of �acing ��th-��th September
at �psom Durdans is one of the most notable
stableyards in the country. The
history starts with Amato, the
first Derby winner (1838) to be
born and trained in Epsom. The
THE EPSOM DERBY The building of the first horse belonged to the owner of the
B Y H O WA R D W R I G H T permanent grandstand in 1830 and Durdans, Sir Gilbert Heathcote.
Open Sunday ��th September a new structure in 1927, the arrival
of the railway, and royal patronage, The Heathcote family sold the
f The Epsom Derby was first including by the Prince of Wales Durdans to the 5th Earl of Rosebery
run in 1780 and it’s due to the toss (later King Edward VII), who won in 1874, where a flourishing stud for
of a coin that the Classic race has the Derby in 1896, 1900 and 1909, racehorses was created.
its title. The 12th Earl of Derby and coverage on radio and then
and his friends, including Lord television propelled Epsom, and the Lord Rosebery died at the Durdans
Rosebery, who’s nearby house the Derby meeting in particular, into in 1929, in later years, he was often
Oaks gave its name to the great the national consciousness, where it found sitting by the graves of his
race for three-year-old fillies, remains. Derby winners, his great passion in
tossed a coin to decide the title of With downland turf being life. These are Grade II listed and
an equivalent event for colts. The especially beneficial for preparing consist of the grave of Amato and,
coin came down in favour of Derby racehorses, plus its proximity to a short distance away, the graves of
otherwise the race would have been London and the presence of a Ladas II, Sir Visto and Cicero.
known as the Bunbury, after Sir thriving racecourse, Epsom has
Charles Bunbury, president of the long been an important centre
Jockey Club at the time. for training, although in the 19th Scan code for tickets
Horseracing had long taken century, with at least eight Grand
place on the open downland National winners stabled in the area,
between Croydon and Epsom, and it was better known for National W H AT ’ S O N
Queen Elizabeth I is known to have Hunt horses than the Flat. The morning starts at 8:00am where you will be able to
attended in the 1580s, while James Initially training stables see the racehorses exercising on the gallops with ITV
I was a visitor from his residence at were part of an owner’s estate, Racing Presenter, Rishi Persad, at the helm to interview
Nonsuch Palace in 1610. However, but gradually public yards were the trainers. Rishi will be sure to get all the inside information to provide
the racecourse that is recognisable established and Epsom reached its attendees with a fascinating insight into the world of horseracing and
today probably dates from around heyday in the quarter-centre after Epsom’s training centre.
1784, although the Derby start was the Second World War. Pressure Throughout the morning seven yards are opening their doors to the public
not moved to its present position from residential development has from 9am and the trainers will be on-hand to answer your questions.
until 1847. While the popularity of changed the training landscape in Take your chance to chat to stable staff about the horses they look after and
the Epsom spa, and its famous salts, the last 50 years, but with a St Leger the work that they do to keep them all looking so fit and well.
declined from around 1825, the success in 2016, the town’s trainers The yards will close at 1pm. A complimentary shuttle service will run
racecourse and its biggest events remain a force to be reckoned with. throughout the morning to transport you around the various facilities.
prospered.
� �anter
�rough
�we�’s �a�
E W E L L H I S T O R Y D AY
��am to �pm on ��th September
f We know that Ewell has been
consistently inhabited for over 3,000
years, come along to Ewell History
Day and discover more about how
Ewell played a part in British history.
3000 years ago, the spring in Ewell
† † 3,500 local men answered the call Follow the trail and hear about the
was where the gods lived, sending to enlist for WW1. Most left steady colourful past of many of Ewell’s
bubbling water from their world lives to fight for king and country, buildings.
into this. Our ancestors left offerings some are camped on the Grove to
for them. Bronze Age expert, James describe what the Great War was Visit Bourne Hall, try Roman
Dilley will demonstrate cooking, like - meet an army surgeon and children’s activities, and discover
hunting, bone and antler carving, assess your chances of survival. the fascinating past of Epsom and
and the magic of metal. Ewell at the free-to-enter Bourne
† In WWII, the country needed a Hall Museum. Highlights of the
† A millenia later, the new Roman mobile labour force of young women extensive collection include Lord
governor of Britain, protected by the to replace the men, nearby, you’ll Rosebery’s hansom cab, a 19th
Praetorian Guard is planning a stop meet members of The Women’s century fire engine, extensive
over in Ewell, to make an offering Land Army and farm animals to see Derby memorabilia and significant
to the sacred springs. Visit his what life was like on the land. Roman archaeology from local sites.
encampment to see Roman foods, The museum shop offers a wide
trades and crafts, gladiators will fight † Ewell History Day falls on the 77th collection of local history books
to the death to entertain him. anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, and pamphlets along with a range of
a bold but failed attempt to outflank souvenirs for younger visitors.
By the eighteenth-century, there’s
† German defences by establishing a The museum will also be
a chance to witness justice, first bridgehead across the Rhine. Men displaying the Patching-up Ewell
hand, in Ewell’s historic watch from the Hampshire Regiment will quilt; made with submissions
house. It will be occupied by be displaying their weapons and from local residents, to mark the
highway robbers captured after a telling tales of how they survived. extraordinary past pandemic year.
huge manhunt by the Ewell Watch,
they’re keen to tell you their stories
EPSOM
10-18 SEPTEMBER 2021
HERITAGE
O P E N DAY S
Cover Illustration by Eliza Southwood, Design by Cai & Co
f Take a FREE ride in a vintage Find out more at goepsom.com
Routemaster double decker bus, courtesy or follow Go Epsom’s social
of Go Epsom on Sunday ��th September. media posts on Facebook.
Buses depart every �� minutes from ��am onwards from Epsom market place
Heritage Open Days in Epsom have been coordinated and publicized by Go Epsom Business Improvement District.
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