As part of our popular “spotlight on” series, this month we will take a look at the world-famous town of Epsom. Located just a few miles South of London, Epsom is famous for its horse racing on Epsom Downs. There is so much more to the town though.
History of Epsom
Epsom was first recorded as Ebba’s Hamm back in the 7th century. Ebba was a Saxon landowner of the period. Its name has changed over the years, in the 1086 Domesday book it was referred to as Evesham, in the 12th Century it was Ebbesham, in the 15th century this had evolved to Epsam and Epsome in the 17th Century. The name Epsom was first introduced in 1718.
From about 727 to the early 16th century the area was owned by Chertsey Abbey and the earlier true confirmation of this was in 967 with a further official entry in the Domesday book when the town was populated by 34 villagers, 4 smallholders and 6 villeins (essentially a peasant who was legally tied to the lord of the manor). After the dissolution of the monasteries the area fell into private hands and it actually stayed in private ownership until it was purchased by the borough council in 1955.
In the early 1600’s local physicians noted that the local water contained a bitter purging salt and by 1629 the town had become a spa town due to the curative properties of the water. It was found that, by evaporating the water, a residue salt was left behind which became Epsom salts in 1695. Chemically this is Magnesium Sulphate and is used to treat minor wounds and aches and pains.
Horse racing first officially began in Epsom in 1661 although it is believed it started earlier. The famous Epsom Derby first started in 1780. In 1913 the suffragette Emily Davison famously threw herself in front of the King’s horse causing her fatal injuries.
Transport Links
Epsom lies about 13 miles south of London and is served by both the M25 and the M23. This gives Epsom great links down to Brighton which lies around 45 miles away, Dover via the M20 which is only 81 miles away. The coastal town of Southampton is only 75 miles away via the M3. Epsom is in a prime location for visiting the south of England.
Train journeys are supported by Epsom train station which runs trains managed by both Southern and South Western Railway. There are 6 trains per hour into London, 2 each to London Victoria, London Bridge and Waterloo and these typically take about 30 – 40 minutes
Epsom has no airport of its own but is only 25 miles from Heathrow, 19 miles from Gatwick and 23 miles from Biggin Hill, so the world is almost literally on Epsom’s doorstep.
Things to do in Epsom
Just a few miles from Epsom lies the Chessington World of Adventures resort. With over 40 rides, a zoo and a Sealife centre this is a great day out for the whole family. It doesn’t stop there, only 19 miles away lies Thorpe Park which has over 30 rides and attractions. No matter how you slice and dice it, Epsom has some great theme parks to go to.
Clearly, no trip to Epsom would be complete without a trip to the racecourse, after all this is what the town is most famous for. The world famous Derby takes place in June so it would be a truly memorable moment to coincide with the Derby weekend.
For those looking for a piece of History a trip to the Bourne Hall museum would be a good way to spend some time. This futuristic looking building gives a great insight into the history of Epsom ranging all the way from pre-historic times to the modern day.
Shopping
Being only around 30-40 minutes from London, Epsom is an ideal place for shopaholics but the town itself has its own shopping mall, the Ashley Centre with over 40 stores ranging from Boots, to Hotel Chocolat to Next.
Eating and Drinking
Run by two Spanish brothers, El Rincon is the perfect place to go for Tapas in Epsom. With all your favourite dishes such as Whitebait, Chorizo, Paella and gambas, this really is an authentic gastronomical trip to Spain.
For something a little more spicy, why not take a trip to Everest. We don’t mean the mountain, we mean the Nepalese and Indian Restaurant in Epsom. All the food is freshly prepared every day and it will transport your taste buds straight to India and Nepal.
One of the most famous pubs and, if you are going to the racecourse, its right there at your feet is the Rubbing House. Looking out right over the Epsom downs racecourse, the pub serves great food and beer. Tracing its roots back to being the shelter where horses were rubbed down, the pub is steeped in history.
For a more traditional pub serving craft beers and ales along with a wide choice of wine, cocktails and gins, why not opt for the Marquis of Granby. Set in a red brick building with lovely wood panelling, this pub dates back to the 18th century and is a really good, old fashioned pub.
Property
If this article has whetted your appetite for a potential move to Epsom then perhaps a quick look at property prices might be in order. According to www.home.co.uk, the average price for a property in Epsom is £542,970 with prices ranging from £247,000 for a 1 bed property to £634,659 for a decent 3 bed family property and all the way up to £1,280,263 for a large 5 bedroomed family home.
If Renting is more your bag then home.co.uk, suggests that the average rental price per calendar month is £2,112 with prices ranging from £1,286 for a one bed place to £2,483 for a 3 bed family home and all the way up to £3,000 for a large 5 bed property.
If our spotlight on Epsom has made you curious about a possible move to the area, please see our current listings for Epsom. If you would like to speak with one of our local property experts, please follow this link to find contact details for our Epsom office where our professional and dedicated team will be happy to help.
