Brockham
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Brockham | |
  Brockham shown within Surrey |
|
| Population | 2,798[1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Mole Valley |
| Shire county | Surrey |
| Region | South East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BETCHWORTH |
| Postcode district | RH3 |
| Dialling code | 01737 |
| Police | Surrey |
| Fire | Surrey |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| European Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament | Mole Valley |
| List of places: UK • England • Surrey | |
The village of Brockham in Surrey, England, was originally named 'Brock Ham' - possibly a reference to the fact that it is home to badgers (known as brocks).
On a spur of land to the north west of the village stands Betchworth Castle, originally built by Richard FitzGilbert on land granted to him by William the Conqueror soon after the Norman invasion in 1066, but later replaced by a medieval house which was probably built in the mid to late 14th century. Only a few ruins survive today.
Today’s church is relatively recent - it was commissioned in 1847 by Sir Henry Goulburn, who served as both Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary.[2] Agriculture previously provided most of the employment for villagers, although further work was to be found in the nearby Brockham Hills in the late 19th century, when they were mined for chalk and hearthstone - an operation run by the Brockham Brick Company Limited until 1911.[3]
The village green is a focal point for the village. Once popular for its cricket matches - WG Grace is said to have played there - it is now better known as the site of a Guy Fawkes bonfire every year on the closest Saturday to November 5. About £20,000 is raised each year.[4]
Brockham School caters for children aged 4 to 11.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Census
- ^ Brockham church history
- ^ About Brockham Brick Company
- ^ Brockham bonfire
- ^ Brockham School
