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{{Short description|Village in Surrey, England}}
{{About|the village in Surrey|the equipment rental company|Ashtead Group|the area of Birmingham|Ashted}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox UK place
|country = England
|type = [[Village]]
|official_name= Ashtead
|map_type= Surrey
|static_image_name= Ashtead Park House (June 2021).jpg
|static_image_caption=Ashtead Park House, a school since the 1920s
|static_image_2_name=Barnett Wood Lane pond (June 2021).jpg
|static_image_2_caption=Barnett Wood Lane with pond to the right
|coordinates = {{coord|51.310|-0.299|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|population = 14,169
|population_ref=(2011 census)<ref name=ons>[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk Key Statistics; Quick Statistics: Population Density] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211201309/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ |date=11 February 2003 }} [[United Kingdom Census 2011]] ''[[Office for National Statistics]]'' Retrieved 20 December 2013</ref>
|area_total_km2=11.59
|civil_parish=n/a
|shire_district= [[Mole Valley]]
|shire_county = [[Surrey]]
|region= South East England
|constituency_westminster= [[Epsom and Ewell (UK Parliament constituency)|Epsom and Ewell]]
|post_town= Ashtead
|postcode_district = KT21
|postcode_area= KT
|dial_code= 01372
|os_grid_reference= TQ1858
}}

'''Ashtead'''  {{IPAc-en|'|æ|ʃ|t|ɛ|d}} is a village in the [[Mole Valley]] district of [[Surrey]], England, approximately {{convert|16|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} south of [[central London]]. Ashtead is on the single-carriageway [[A24 road (Great Britain)|A24]] between [[Epsom]] and [[Leatherhead]]. The village is on the northern slopes of the [[North Downs]] and is in the catchment area of [[The Rye (brook)|The Rye]], a tributary of the [[River Mole]].

The earliest archaeological evidence for human activity in the village is from the [[Stone Age]]. At several points in its history, including during the early [[Roman Britain|Roman period]], Ashtead has been a centre for [[brick]] and [[tile]] manufacture. From medieval times until the late 19th century, Ashtead was primarily an [[Agriculture in the United Kingdom|agricultural]] settlement. Residential development was catalysed by the opening of the [[Sutton and Mole Valley lines|railway line]] between {{rws|Epsom}} and {{rws|Leatherhead}} in 1859 and by the breakup of the [[Ashtead Park]] estate in the 1880s. [[Housebuilding]] continued into the 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1930s. Future expansion is now constrained by the [[Metropolitan Green Belt]], which encircles the village.

There are two nature reserves in the village: [[Ashtead Common]], to the north west of the centre, forms part of a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] and is owned by the [[Corporation of London]]; [[Ashtead Park]], to the east of the centre is a [[Local Nature Reserve]] owned by the District Council.

==Toponymy==
In the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086, Ashtead is recorded as ''Stede'',<ref name=Ashtead_Domesday>{{cite web |url= https://opendomesday.org/place/TQ1858/ashtead/ |title= Ashtead |author= Powell-Smith A |year= 2011 |publisher= Open Domesday |access-date= 2 February 2021 |archive-date= 5 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210205170758/https://opendomesday.org/place/TQ1858/ashtead/ |url-status= live }}</ref> which simply means "place".<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p1>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=1}}</ref> In later documents, the village appears as ''Estede'',<ref name=Gover_1934_p68>{{harvnb|Gover|Mawer|Stenton|1934|p=68}}</ref> ''Akestede''<ref name=Malden_1911_pp247-252>{{harvnb|Malden|1911|pp=247–252}}</ref> and ''Aschestede'' (13th century),<ref name=Gover_1934_p68/> ''Asshstede'' (1370s),<ref name=Lowther_1952>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1952 |title= Ashtead and its history IV: AD 1066-1400 |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_1_NO_6_1952.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 1 |issue= 6 |pages= 23–24 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref> ''Ashstede'' (14th century), ''Asshested'' (15th century),<ref name=Malden_1911_pp247-252/> ''Asted'' (1790)<ref>{{harvnb|Cary|1790|p=70}}</ref> and ''Ashsted'' (1820).<ref>{{Cite web |title= A map of the countries thirty miles around London |author= Thomas Kitchin |author-link= Thomas Kitchin |year= 1773 |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/1773_Kitchin_Map_of_the_Country_30_Miles_around_London%2C_England_-_Geographicus_-_London30MilesRound-kitchin-1773.jpg |access-date=27 February 2021 |archive-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120220418/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/1773_Kitchin_Map_of_the_Country_30_Miles_around_London%2C_England_-_Geographicus_-_London30MilesRound-kitchin-1773.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> The name is generally agreed to mean "place of [[Fraxinus excelsior|ash trees]]".<ref name=Gover_1934_p68/>{{refn|The suffix {{Non breaking hyphen}}''stead'' or {{Non breaking hyphen}}''sted'' occurs in the names of a number of Surrey settlements, including [[Banstead]], [[Elstead]] and [[Oxted]].<ref name=Davies_1881_p15>{{harvnb|Davies|1881|p=15}}</ref>|group=note}}

==Geography==
===Location and topography===
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Ashtead is a large village in the [[Mole Valley]] district of [[Surrey]], approximately {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} south of central London. It lies on the southern edge of the [[London Basin]] and the highest point in the parish is {{convert|129.5|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} above [[ordnance datum]]. Both the [[Sutton and Mole Valley lines|Epsom to Leatherhead railway line]] and the [[A24 road (England)|A24]] run from northeast to southwest through the settlement, broadly parallel to [[The Rye (brook)|The Rye]], a [[tributary]] of the [[River Mole]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp20-22>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=20–22}}</ref><ref name=Jackson_1977_p17>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=17}}</ref>

The historic core of Ashtead is known locally as "The Village" and is focused around the main shopping area along The Street (A24).<ref name=MVDC_character>{{cite web |url= https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/home/building-planning/local-plans/ashteadldfbuacaaccess.pdf |title= Built-up area character appraisal: Ashtead |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 23 February 2010 |publisher= Mole Valley District Council |access-date= 25 May 2021 |archive-date= 14 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210514104059/https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/home/building-planning/local-plans/ashteadldfbuacaaccess.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> The residential area to the north west, closer to [[Ashtead railway station|the railway station]], is known as "Lower Ashtead" and incorporates secondary shopping centres on Craddocks Parade and Barnett Wood Lane.<ref name=MVDC_character/><ref>{{cite news |last= Dyckhoff |first= Tom |date= 15 November 2013 |title= Let's move to Ashtead, Surrey |url= https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/nov/15/lets-move-to-ashtead-surrey |work= The Guardian |location= London |access-date= 29 May 2021 |archive-date= 17 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160517002205/http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/nov/15/lets-move-to-ashtead-surrey |url-status= live }}</ref>{{refn|Historically, the term 'Lower Ashtead' was used exclusively for the area bordered by Barnett Wood Lane, Agates Lane, Ottways Lane and Harriots Lane, corresponding to the land of the former manor of Little Ashtead.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp65-79>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=65–79}}</ref><ref name=Davies_2003>{{cite journal |last1= Davies |first1= H.J. |year= 2003 |title=Ashtead chapel & church in the 12th & 13th centuries and the origins of the Little Ashtead manor |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_6_NO_7_2003.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 6 |issue= 7 |pages= 179–184 |access-date= 29 May 2021 }}</ref>|group=note}}

There are two protected nature reserves in Ashtead: [[Ashtead Common]], a {{convert|181|ha|acre|adj=on|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} woodland, is owned and managed by the [[City of London Corporation]] and is to the north west of Lower Ashtead;<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/surreys-national-nature-reserves/surreys-national-nature-reserves |title= Surrey's National Nature Reserves |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 14 March 2017 |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 26 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210226093906/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/surreys-national-nature-reserves/surreys-national-nature-reserves |url-status= live }}</ref> the {{convert|54|ha|acre|adj=on|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} [[Ashtead Park]] is to the east of The Village and is owned by Mole Valley District Council.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1001490|desc=Ashtead Park|grade=II |access-date=22 February 2021 }}</ref>

===Geology===
Like many of the villages between Croydon and Guildford, Ashtead is a [[spring line settlement]]. It is positioned at the point where the [[Chalk Group|chalk]] of the [[North Downs]] dips beneath the [[London Clay]]. The chalk is a natural [[aquifer]] and numerous [[well]]s  have been bored into the ground to obtain drinking water. Springs rise at several points along the boundary between the [[permeability (Earth sciences)|permeable]] and impermeable ground, some of which feed The Rye and its tributaries, while others feed the [[pond]]s on the Common and in the Park.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp20-22/>

==History==
===Pre-history===
The earliest evidence of human activity is from the [[Paleolithic]] and [[Mesolithic]] periods. A [[blade (archaeology)|backed blade]] made of [[flint]], dating from 50,000 to 12,000 years [[before present]] (BP), was found during pipeline excavations in Lower Ashtead, near Barnett Wood Lane<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Nicolaysen |first1= Pat |year= 1989 |title= A late Upper Palaeolithic backed blade from Ashtead |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_79/surreyac079_215_nicolaysen.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 79 |page= 215 |access-date= 2 February 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122226/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_79%2Fsurreyac079_215_nicolaysen.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> and [[tranchet axe]]s, dating from 15,000 to 5000 BP, have been discovered in Ottways Lane and Glebe Road.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= AWG |year= 1957 |title= Flint Tranchet-Axe from Ashtead |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 55 |pages= 118 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1= Ellaby |first1= Roger |year= 1984 |title= Ashtead: A Mesolithic Tranchet Axe |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_74/surreyac074_205_ellaby.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 74 |pages= 205 |access-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122227/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_74%2Fsurreyac074_205_ellaby.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> During the demolition of [[Parsons Mead School]] in 2009, pottery from the [[Neolithic]] was found which contained [[charcoal]] that was [[radiocarbon dating|radiocarbon dated]] to 3775-3659 BP.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Weale |first1= Andrew |year= 2011 |title= Neolithic occupation, with an early date for Mortlake Ware, at Parsons Mead School, Ashtead |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_96/surreyac096_215-225_weale.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 96 |pages= 215–225 |doi= 10.5284/1069370 |access-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122227/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_96%2Fsurreyac096_215-225_weale.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> [[Bronze Age]] artefacts discovered in the village include a [[spear]]head<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Cotton |first1= Jonathan |year= 1999 |title= A Middle Bronze Age side-looped spearhead from Ashtead |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_86/surreyac086_199-200_cotton.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 86 |pages= 199–200 |doi= 10.5284/1069255 |access-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122235/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_86%2Fsurreyac086_199-200_cotton.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> and pottery [[sherds]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= AWG |year= 1933 |title= Bronze-Iron Age and Roman Finds at Ashtead |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_41/surreyac041_093-098_lowther.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 41 |pages= 93–98 |doi= 10.5284/1068796 |access-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122229/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_41%2Fsurreyac041_093-098_lowther.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1= Hayman |first1= Graham |year= 1992 |title= Further excavations at the former Goblin Works, Ashtead (TQ 182 567) |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_81/surreyac081_001-018_hayman.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 81 |pages= 1–18 |doi= 10.5284/1069180 |access-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122229/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_81%2Fsurreyac081_001-018_hayman.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Roman and Saxon===
Ashtead was the site of a major [[Roman Britain|Roman]] brickworks in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The site on Ashtead Common consisted of a [[Roman villa|corridor villa]] and [[kilns]] adjacent to a series of claypits. A [[Thermae|bath house]] was also provided for the use of the workers. The complex was excavated in the 1920s<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= AWG |year= 1930 |title= The Romano-British site at Ashtead |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 38 |pages= 77–84 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= AWG |year= 1959 |title= The date of the Roman buildings and brickworks on Ashtead Common |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_2_NO_3_1959.pdf  |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 2 |issue= 2 |pages= 73–75 |access-date= 21 February 2021 }}</ref> and it is now protected by scheduled monument status.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1003753|desc=Roman villa in Ashtead Forest|access-date=21 February 2021|fewer-links=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Ashtead_Common/ |title=Ashtead Common cultural heritage  |publisher=City of London |access-date=27 September 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225113156/http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Ashtead_Common/ |archive-date=25 December 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>

Bricks and tiles produced in Ashtead were most likely transported via a short branch road to [[Stane Street (Chichester)|Stane Street]], the [[Roman roads in Britannia|Roman road]] that runs to the south east of the village centre.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |title= Ancient Course Of Stane Street: Excavation work at Ashtead Forest |date= 22 September 1926 |page= 10 |issue= 44383}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1= Bouchard |first1= Brian E. |year= 2019 |title= The route of Stane Street through Ashtead: a missing link |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/VOL_8_NO_1_1-09.pdf  |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 8 |issue= 1 |pages= 1–9 |access-date= 21 February 2021 }}</ref> Remains of a building close to St Giles' Church, suggest that Roman occupation of Ashtead continued into the 4th century.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1950|title= Ashtead and its history II: The Roman occupation (43-410 AD) |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_1_NO_4_1950.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 1 |issue= 4 |pages= 23–24 |access-date= 22 February 2021 }}</ref>

Although there is no archaeological evidence of [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] occupation in the village, Ashtead would have been administered as part of the [[Copthorne Hundred]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp20-22/> There may have been a small chapel, likely to have been controlled by a [[Minster (church)#Early and mid Anglo-Saxon periods|minster]] at  Leatherhead, which was a [[royal vill]].<ref name=Vardey_1988_pp28-30>{{harvnb|Vardey|1988|pp=28–30}}</ref> In 1984, an Anglo-Saxon [[cemetery]] was discovered on the site of the former [[Goblin vacuum cleaners|Goblin]] factory in Ermyn Way, Leatherhead (now the location of the offices of [[Esso]]). Excavations uncovered the remains of at least 40 individuals and the artefacts found, including knives, buckles and necklaces, suggest that they were pagan burials.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp20-22/><ref>{{cite journal |last1= Poulton |first1= Rob |year= 1987 |title= The former Goblin Works Leatherhead: Saxons and Sinners |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-457-1/dissemination/pdf/vol05/vol05_12/05_12_311_317.pdf |journal= London Archaeologist |volume= 5 |issue= 12 |pages= 311–317 |doi= 10.5284/1070745 |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122230/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-457-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol05%2Fvol05_12%2F05_12_311_317.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Medieval===
Ashtead appears in the Domesday Book as ''Stede'' and was held by the Canons of [[Bayeux]] from the [[Bishop of Bayeux]]. Its assets were: three [[hide (unit)|hides]] and one [[virgate]]; 16 [[plough]]s, [[woodland]] for seven [[hog (swine)|hogs]] and {{convert|4|acre|ha|spell=in}} of [[meadow]]. In total, it rendered £12 per year.<ref name=Ashtead_Domesday/><ref name=Surrey_Domesday>{{cite web |url= http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm |title= Surrey Domesday Book |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070715015325/http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm |archive-date= 15 July 2007 }}</ref>

The de Warenne Family, the [[Earl of Surrey|Earls of Surrey]], held the manor in the 12th century. In the second half of the 13th century, it passed to the de Montfort family. During the [[Second Barons' War]] (1264–1267), Ashtead men are known to have fought on the side of [[Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester|Simon de Montfort]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp23-27>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=23–27}}</ref> The de Montforts and their descendants continued to own the manor until the death of Baldwin de Freville in 1419, when it passed to his brother-in-law, Sir Roger Aston. Ashtead passed through several generations of the Aston family until 1543, when [[Edward Aston (died 1568)|Edward Aston]] returned the manor to the [[crown estate|Crown]] in exchange for land in [[Stafford]] and [[Derby]].<ref name=Lowther_1954>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1954 |title= Ashtead and its history VI: Tudor and Elizabethan Ashtead |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_1_NO_8_1954.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 1 |issue= 8 |pages= 19–20 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref>

During the late 14th century, tile manufacturing was again taking place on Ashtead Common. Records from the [[Banstead|Manor of Banstead]] indicate that a "Henry the Tyler of Asshstede" supplied over 10,000 roof tiles in 1372–3, and in 1384 the same individual also supplied the lord of the manor of Ashtead with tiles for "The Lord's Kitchen." It is possible that, during the 1290s, the tiles for the building of Pacchesham Manor, Leatherhead, were also manufactured on Ashtead Common. There is no mention of Henry the Tyler after 1400, and it seems likely that the medieval tileworks closed around this time.<ref name=Lowther_1952/><ref>{{cite journal |last1= Frere |first1= S.S. |year= 1941 |title= A Mediaeval Pottery at Ashtead |url= https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-379-1/dissemination/pdf/vol_47/surreyac047_058-066_frere.pdf |journal= Surrey Archaeological Collections |volume= 47 |pages= 58–66 |doi= 10.5284/1068837 |access-date= 23 May 2021 |archive-date= 23 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210523162356/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-379-1%2Fdissemination%2Fpdf%2Fvol_47%2Fsurreyac047_058-066_frere.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

The area now bordered by Barnett Wood Lane, Agates Lane, Ottways Lane and Harriots Lane, was formerly a separate manor called Little Ashtead, which was held by [[Merton Priory]] in the Middle Ages. Following the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] in the mid-16th century, the area was known as Prior's Farm.<ref name=Lowther_1953>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1953 |title= Ashtead and its history V: Manor of Little Ashtead |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_1_NO_7_1953.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 1 |issue= 7 |pages= 18–19 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref>

===Early modern===
Documents surviving from the mid-17th century, detail the organisation of the manor during the reign of [[Charles II of England|Charles II]]: Two common fields, together totalling {{convert|194|ha|acre|0|abbr=on}} and representing around 30% of the cultivatable land in the village, were divided into strips of around 1 acre each. The strips were distributed between 52 families and the planting would have been regulated by the manor court. In 1656, 17 of these strips were held by the [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|rector]] and provided an income for the parish priest. The remainder of the cultivatable land had already been [[enclosure|enclosed]] and was either held by the Lords of the Manor or by other prominent individuals, including the Stydolf family of [[Norbury Park]].<ref name=Gollin_1987>{{cite journal |last1= Gollin |first1= G.J. |year= 1955 |title= Ashtead Common Fields |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_5_NO_1_1987.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 5 |issue= 1 |pages= 2–11 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref><ref name=Lowther_1955>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1955|title= Ashtead and its history IX: The early Stuart Period |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_1_NO_9_1955.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 1 |issue= 9 |pages= 31–32 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref>

Ashtead is mentioned twice in [[Samuel Pepys]]' diaries.<ref name=Pepys_Epsom>{{Cite web |url=http://www.epsom.townpage.co.uk/bhmpepys.htm |title=The Six Visits of Mr. Pepys |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211210702/http://www.epsom.townpage.co.uk/bhmpepys.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Part of his [[s:Diary of Samuel Pepys/1663/July#25th|entry for 25 July 1663]] reads:
:"I went towards Ashted, my old place of pleasure... and there we got a lodging in a little hole we could not stand upright in, but rather than go further to look we staid there, and while supper was getting ready I took him to walk up and down behind my cozen [cousin] Pepys's house... and so up and down in the closes, which I know so well methinks, and account it good fortune that I lie here that I may have opportunity to renew my old walks."<ref name=Pepys>{{harvnb|Latham|Matthews|1971|p=245}}</ref>

For much of the [[early modern period]], Ashtead was owned by the Howard family.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p31>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=31}}</ref><ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp42-44>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=42–44}}</ref> [[Robert Howard (playwright)|Sir Robert Howard]] purchased the manor from his cousin [[Henry Howard, 6th Duke of Norfolk|Henry Howard, the 6th Duke of Norfolk]], in 1680<ref name=Lowther_1957>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1957|title= Ashtead and its history IX: The manor under Sir Robert Howard and his son Thomas (1680-1701) |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_2_NO_1_1957.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 2 |issue= 1 |pages= 30–34 |access-date= 17 May 2021 }}</ref><ref name=Jackson_1977_p69>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=69}}</ref> and is credited with transforming the land into a [[English country house|Gentleman's country seat]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p31/> Sir Robert built a new mansion and also enclosed the surrounding park to create a formal garden.<ref name=Lowther_1957/> The diarist, [[John Evelyn]], visited the house shortly after it was completed in 1684, admiring the paintings by the Italian-born artist [[Antonio Verrio]] and remarking upon the "swete park upon the Downe."<ref name=Evelyn_1879_457>{{harvnb|Evelyn|1879|p=457}}</ref> [[Celia Fiennes]] described the brick-built mansion as having "an abundance of pictures" and "very good tapestry hangings".<ref name=Fiennes_1888_290>{{harvnb|Fiennes|1888|p=290}}</ref> Sir Robert's guests also included Charles II, [[James II of England|James II]] and [[William III of England|William III]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp37-38>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=37–38}}</ref>

{{Annotated image
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The [[turnpike trust|turnpike road]] between Epsom and Horsham, which ran through Ashtead, was authorised by [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in 1755.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://dorkingmuseum.org.uk/the-turnpike-road/ |title= The Turnpike Road |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 4 June 2020 |publisher= Dorking Museum |access-date= 17 December 2020 |archive-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210102101951/https://dorkingmuseum.org.uk/the-turnpike-road/ |url-status= live }}</ref> By the end of the century, [[stagecoach]]es were passing through the village several times a day, although it is unlikely that many stopped to pick up passengers and local residents probably walked or rode to Epsom if they wished to use them.<ref name=Jackson_1977_p199>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=199}}</ref>

===19th century===
For the first seven decades of the 19th century, Ashtead remained a predominantly farming community. The manor continued to be owned by members of the Howard family and was inherited by Mary Howard in 1818.<ref name=Jackson_1977_p85>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=85}}</ref> Mary Howard was a major benefactor to the village and was responsible for founding St Giles' School.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp48-49>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=48–49}}</ref> She [[Financial endowment|endowed]] the [[almshouse]]s<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p92>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=92}}</ref> and, together with her husband, [[Fulk Greville Howard]], initiated a major redevelopment of the parish church.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp48-49/>

In 1825 [[George Rennie (engineer)|George Rennie]] and his brother, [[John Rennie the Younger|John]], proposed the construction of [[London to Portsmouth canal#Ship Canal Projects|The Grand Imperial Ship Canal]], between [[Deptford]] and [[Portsmouth]], to reduce the transit time from the capital to the south coast from 12 days to 24 hours and to avoid hostile waters in the event of war. The canal would have run across Ashtead Common, along the course of The Rye.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bouchard |first1=Brian |title=The Grand Imperial Ship Canal |url=https://www.ryemeadows.org.uk/local-history/44-the-grand-imperial-ship-canal |website=A vision for Rye Madows Wetlands |access-date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815140627/http://www.ryemeadows.org.uk/local-history/44-the-grand-imperial-ship-canal |url-status=live }}</ref>

The two common fields were enclosed in 1838, bringing to an end the [[open-field system]] in the manor. The land was divided into forty rectangular fields, each of around {{convert|4|ha|acre|0|abbr=on}}, which were leased to local farmers.<ref name=Gollin_1987/> The [[glebe]] strips were taken over by the Howards and the rector was given land to the south of the village centre in compensation.<ref name=Smith_1991>{{cite journal |last1= Smith |first1= L.A |year= 1991 |title=Ashtead Great and Little Glibes |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_5_NO_4_1991.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 5 |issue= 4 |pages= 118–120 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref> In around 1850, the {{convert|92|ha|acre|0|abbr=on}} comprising the remaining core of Little Ashtead manor was sold for development, marking the start of a long period of housebuilding in the village.<ref name=Jackson_1977_p57>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=57}}</ref>

The [[Sutton and Mole Valley lines|railway line through Ashtead]] was built by the Epsom and Leatherhead Railway Company and opened on 1 February 1859. It was constructed as a [[single-track railway|single-track line]] and, on opening, [[Ashtead railway station]] had only one platform and trains only [[request stop|stopped by request]]. Initially all services were operated by the [[London and South Western Railway]] (LSWR) and, for the first two months, only ran as far as {{rws|Epsom}}.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Davies |first1= H.J. |year= 1992 |title= The Epsom and Leatherhead Railway 1856-59 |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_5_NO_6_1993.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 5 |issue= 6 |pages= 170–172 |access-date= 19 February 2021 }}</ref> The completion of the line through {{rws|Worcester Park}} enabled these trains to be extended to {{rws|London Waterloo}} from April of the same year. In August 1859, the [[London, Brighton and South Coast Railway]] (LBSCR) began to run trains from Leatherhead to {{rws|London Bridge}}, but did not begin stopping at Ashtead until the following year.<ref name=Vardey_1988_pp168-169>{{harvnb|Vardey|1988|pp=168–169}}</ref><ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp85-90>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=85–90}}</ref>

After the death of Mary Howard in 1877, much of the village was offered for sale.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp62-63>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=62–63}}</ref> Ashtead Common was purchased by Thomas Lucas, who sold it four years later, in 1889, to the banker [[Ralli Brothers|Pantia Ralli]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp6-12>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=6–12}}</ref> The rest of the land, much of it farmland, was split into eight separate [[land lot|lots]]. Since the sale coincided with a [[Great Depression of British Agriculture|period of depression in British agriculture]], the land sold cheaply. The lot containing Ashtead Park and Home Farm was withdrawn from sale when it failed to meet its [[reservation price|reserve price]]<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp62-63/> and was acquired by Pantia Ralli in 1889.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp65-79>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=65–79}}</ref>

By 1887, the majority of the farms in Ashtead had been broken up and the land was in the hands of eight major owners and many smaller ones.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp62-63/> New houses began to be built on the east side of Woodfield Lane and to the north of Barnett Wood Lane. The area west of the station (including Links Road and Ashtead Woods Road) had been marked out for housing by 1894, but construction was delayed by difficulties in securing access over the railway.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp65-79/> Elsewhere building work was also slow<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp65-79/> and the population of the village increased from 906 in 1871 to 1,881 in 1901.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp62-63/>

===20th century===
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Development continued in the first decade of the 20th century and the population had reached 2,921 by 1911.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp110-111>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=110–111}}</ref> Many of the new homes were in the west of the parish and housebuilding took place along Skinners Lane, Ottways Lane and Oakfield Road. By 1914, new houses had also appeared along Leatherhead Road, Woodfield Road and The Marld.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp110-111/> Many of the new residents were professionals who [[commuting|commuted]] to London by train.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp110-111/>

During [[World War I|the First World War]], several hundred men from the 21st Battalion of the [[Royal Fusiliers]] were [[billet]]ed in the village and were responsible for constructing a [[convalescence|convalescent hospital]] at [[Woodcote Park]] in Epsom.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp118-121>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=118–121}}</ref> [[George V]] visited the village by train in October 1914 to inspect the troops.<ref name=Jackson_1977_p106>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=106}}</ref> By January 1915, there were around 1500 soldiers based in Ashtead. The [[war memorial]] at St George's Church was dedicated in 1920.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp118-121/>

The [[interwar Britain|inter-war years]] saw the most rapid period of residential development, stimulated in part by the final breakup of the Ashtead Park estate, following the death of Pantia Ralli in 1924.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp127-129>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=127–129}}</ref> The [[Railway electrification in Great Britain|electrification]] of the railway line in 1925 also made the village more attractive to potential homeowners.<ref name=Jackson_1977_p108>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=108}}</ref><ref name=Knowles_1998>{{cite journal |last1= Knowles |first1= H.G.|year= 1998 |title= Leatherhead's railway stations |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_6_NO_2_1998.pdf  |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 6 |issue= 2 |pages= 46–52 |access-date= 19 February 2021 }}</ref> The population increased from 3,226 in 1921<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p125>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=125}}</ref> to 9,336 in 1939.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p132>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=132}}</ref>

[[File:Recruiting poster for the Home Guard, Ashtead, Surrey.jpg|thumb|upright|Recruitment poster for the Ashtead Home Guard]]
In September 1939, children were [[evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II|evacuated]] to Ashtead from [[Streatham]] and [[Dulwich]]. A unit of the [[Royal Norfolk Regiment]] was stationed in the village at the start of the war and, from 1941, [[Canadian Army|Canadian soldiers]] were billeted locally. Land bordering Craddocks Avenue was taken over for war [[allotment (gardening)|allotments]] and [[pig]]s were reared on vacant building plots on the Overdale estate. In 1940 a company of the [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] was formed.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp136-141>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=136–141}}</ref>

In 1940 and 1941, several buildings in Ashtead suffered damage as a result of [[strategic bombing during World War II|enemy bombing]] during the [[Battle of Britain]] and [[the Blitz]], including [[St Andrew's Catholic School|St Andrew's School]], which was almost completely destroyed.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp136-141/> In the final year of the war, two [[V-1 flying bomb]]s landed in the village and a [[V-2 rocket]] landed to the south of Ashtead Park in February 1945.<ref name=Vardey_1988_p249>{{harvnb|Vardey|1988|p=249}}</ref><ref name=Jackson_1977_p111>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=111}}</ref>

{{Annotated image
| image = Ordnance Survey One-Inch Sheet 170 London SW, Published 1945.jpg
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The 1944 [[Greater London Plan]] placed much of the land surrounding Ashtead in the protected [[Metropolitan Green Belt]], which severely limited the scope for urban expansion.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p144>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=144}}</ref><ref name=Ashtead_Heritage_Trail>{{cite web |url= https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/home/leisure/keeping-fit-active/ashteadtrail.pdf |title= Ashtead Village Heritage Trail |last= Cox |first= Barry |year= 2006 |publisher= Mole Valley District Council |access-date= 22 May 2021 |archive-date= 14 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210514101423/https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/home/leisure/keeping-fit-active/ashteadtrail.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> The northern half of Ashtead Park was threatened with development from the late 1940s and so it was purchased by Surrey County Council in 1957, before being passed to the ownership of the Leatherhead Urban District Council.<ref name=Jackson_1977_pp114-115>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|pp=114–115}}</ref> In 1988, three conservation areas were designated in the village.<ref name=CA_map>{{cite web |url= https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/home/building-planning/conservation/ashteadconservationareas.pdf |title= Ashtead Conservation Area |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 16 February 1988 |publisher= Mole Valley District Council |access-date= 25 May 2021 |archive-date= 14 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210514115257/https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/home/building-planning/conservation/ashteadconservationareas.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>{{refn|The three conservation areas in the village are: a group of ten buildings at the junction of Rectory Lane and Dene Road; an area surrounding the Grade II-listed Ashtead House to the east of the village; a row of 14 [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] houses on the west side of Woodfield Lane.<ref name=CA_map/><ref name=MVDC_character/>|group=note}}

== Government and politics ==
Since 1997, Ashtead has been part of the parliamentary constituency of [[Epsom and Ewell (UK Parliament constituency)|Epsom and Ewell]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/council/elections-and-voting/Parliamentary%20map.pdf |title= Epsom and Ewell Constituency |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 30 March 2010 |publisher= Epsom and Ewell Borough Council |access-date= 27 February 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122231/https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/council/elections-and-voting/Parliamentary%20map.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

For much of the 19th century, local infrastructure and services were overseen by the [[vestry]], but the [[Local Government Act 1888]] transferred many administrative responsibilities to the newly formed [[Surrey County Council]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p146>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=146}}</ref> A [[parish councils in England|parish council]] was established under the [[Local Government Act 1894]] when the village became part of [[Epsom Rural District]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp96-98>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=96–98}}</ref> The parish council was abolished in 1933, when Ashtead became part of Leatherhead Urban District. Ashtead thus became an [[urban parish]]. In 1951 the parish had a population of 9852.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10128948/cube/TOT_POP|title=Population statistics Ashtead CP/AP through time|publisher=[[A Vision of Britain through Time]]|accessdate=25 April 2024}}</ref> On 1 April 1974 the parish was abolished.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukbmd.org.uk/reg/districts/surrey%20mid%20eastern.html|title=Surrey Mid-Eastern Registration District|publisher=UKBMD|accessdate=25 April 2024}}</ref> [[Mole Valley|Mole Valley District Council]] was created in 1974 by combining the Urban Districts of Dorking and Leatherhead with the Rural District of Dorking.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p146/>

Although Ashtead does not have a parish council today, stakeholder engagement is conducted through a number of bodies, including Ashtead Residents' Association.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ashteadresidents.org.uk |title= Ashtead Residents' Association |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 24 January 2021 |publisher= Ashtead Residents' Association |access-date= 27 February 2021 |archive-date= 2 December 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201202120735/http://www.ashteadresidents.org.uk/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Demography and housing==
In the [[2011 United Kingdom census|2011 Census]], the combined population of the Ashtead Common, Park and Village wards was 14,169.<ref name=ons/>
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''2011 Census Households'''
!Ward !!Population !!Households !!% Owned outright !!% Owned with a loan!!hectares<ref name=ons/>
|-
|Ashtead Common||    4,129    ||    1,617    ||    41    ||    44    ||    441
|-   
|Ashtead Park||    4,042    ||    1,654    ||    48    ||    34    ||    520   
|-
|Ashtead Village||    5,998    ||    2,368    ||    46    ||    36    ||    198   
|-
|Regional average||    ||    ||    35.1    ||    32.5    ||   
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''2011 Census Homes'''
|-
!Ward !!Detached  !!Semi-detached!!Terraced!!Flats and apartments!!Caravans/temporary/mobile homes/houseboats!!Shared between households<ref name=ons/>
|-
|Ashtead Common||    554    ||    744    ||    70    ||    248    ||    1    ||    0
|-
|Ashtead Park||    1,045    ||    314    ||    82    ||    210    ||    1    ||    2
|-
|Ashtead Village||    1,080    ||    754    ||    217    ||    309    ||    4    ||    4
|}

==Public services==
===Utilities===
Until the late 18th century, villagers obtained drinking water from The Rye or from [[well]]s.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp96-98/> In 1884, the first piped supply was installed by the Leatherhead and District Water Company and was fed from a [[borehole]] at  Waterway Road in Leatherhead.<ref name=Vardey_1988_p173>{{harvnb|Vardey|1988|p=173}}</ref> The [[pipeline transport|gas main]] from Epsom was installed in the 1880s, to supply [[coal gas|gas]] for street lighting.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp48-49/> The first [[sewerage]] system was completed in 1900 and electricity reached Ashtead in the same year.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp96-98/>

===Emergency services===
In the early 19th century a constable was employed by the vestry and the Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower public house doubled as the village prison, where the accused could be held before trial.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp96-98/> Policing in the village became the responsibility of the [[Surrey Police|Surrey Constabulary]] on its creation in 1851.<ref name=Bartlett_2020_pp252>{{harvnb|Bartlett|2020|p=252}}{{Self-published source|date=January 2021|reason=Published on [[Scribd]] – possible upload by author|expert=y}}</ref>

Ashtead Fire Brigade was founded in 1901.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p131>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=131}}</ref> At first the horse-drawn fire cart was housed at the Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower, but it moved to a site in Agates Lane in 1908.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp110-111/> The village Brigade was merged with that of Leatherhead in October 1926.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p131/> In 2021, the [[fire authority]] for the village is Surrey County Council and the [[fire services in the United Kingdom|statutory fire service]] is [[Surrey Fire and Rescue Service]]. Local ambulance services are run by the [[South East Coast Ambulance Service]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.secamb.nhs.uk/our-locations/ |title= Our Locations |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= South East Coast Ambulance Service |access-date= 9 January 2021 |archive-date= 10 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201110224056/https://www.secamb.nhs.uk/our-locations/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Healthcare===
Ashtead Hospital, a private hospital not run by the [[National Health Service|NHS]], opened in the old chalk quarry site to the south of the village in September 1984.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p234>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=234}}</ref> The nearest hospital with an [[Emergency department|A&E]] is [[Epsom Hospital]], {{convert|2.1|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} away.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Hospital/Ashtead/Results/3/-0.296/51.313/7/678?distance=25 |title= Hospitals near Ashtead |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= National Health Service |access-date= 15 May 2021 |archive-date= 18 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210518090409/https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Hospital/Ashtead/Results/3/-0.296/51.313/7/678?distance=25 |url-status= live }}</ref> As of 2021, the village has two GP practices, both on Woodfield Lane.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/results/Ashtead?latitude=51.309387108293606&longitude=-0.2996626662934348 |title= GPs near Ashtead |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= National Health Service |access-date= 15 May 2021 |archive-date= 15 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210515140004/https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/results/Ashtead?latitude=51.309387108293606&longitude=-0.2996626662934348 |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Industry and business==
Brick and tile manufacture has taken place at Ashtead at several points in the village's history. Clay pits on Ashtead Common were active in the 1st, 2nd, 13th and 14th centuries and, in the mid-19th century, there was a brick [[kiln]] and drying shed in Newton Wood. In around 1880, the Sparrow brothers opened a works to the north of Barnett Wood Lane and their company was active for around 30 years. Houses were built on the site in the 1950s and part of the old clay pit is now the Floral Pond, adjacent to The Chase.<ref name=Bouchard_2006>{{cite journal |last1= Bouchard |first1= B.E. |year= 2006|title= Ashtead's brickfields from the 1840s to circa 1909 |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_6_NO_10_2006.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 6 |issue= 10 |pages= 305–311 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref>{{refn|After the First World War, Sparrow clay pit was landscaped and became a swimming pool, which closed in 1959.<ref name=Tarplee_2004>{{cite journal |last1= Tarplee |first1= P.A |year= 2004 |title= The industries of Ashtead |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_6_NO_8_2004.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 6 |issue= 8 |pages= 198–205 |access-date= 23 May 2021 }}</ref>|group=note}} Ashtead Brickworks, to the west of the Sparrow Works, was established in 1896 and closed in 1909.<ref name=Bouchard_2006/><ref name=Tarplee_2004/>

[[File:Ashtead7a.JPG|thumb|upright|A [[vase]] produced by [[Ashtead potters|Ashtead Potters Ltd]]]]
[[Ashtead potters|Ashtead Potters Ltd]] was established in the village in 1923 by [[Lawrence Weaver|Sir Lawrence Weaver]] and Kathleen Purcell, Lady Weaver. The firm was based in the Victoria Works in West Hill{{refn|Between 1912 and 1915, the Victoria Works was a workshop and sales depot for the [[Stanley Motor Carriage Company]], an American manufacturer of [[steam car]]s.<ref name=Tarplee_2004/>|group=note}} and produced a wide range of products in a variety of styles. The clay was delivered by train to Ashtead station. The company ceased trading in 1935 after sales fell during the [[Great Depression in the United Kingdom|Great Depression]].<ref name=Tarplee_2004/><ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp206-208>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=206–208}}</ref>

The construction company [[Longcross (company)|Longcross]] had its head office in Ashtead but entered administration in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.longcross.co.uk/Ashtead |title= Longcross: Contact Us |website=www.longcross.co.uk |publisher=Longcross |access-date= 23 October 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121020022923/http://www.longcross.co.uk/Ashtead |archive-date=20 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2015/06/17/longcross-construction-goes-into-administration/ |title= Longcross Construction goes into administration |first= Grant |last= Prior |work= Construction Enquirer |date= 17 June 2015 |access-date= 7 February 2017 |archive-date= 8 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170208133930/http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2015/06/17/longcross-construction-goes-into-administration/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

The [[Ashtead Group]] was founded in 1947 as ''Ashtead Plant and Tool Hire''. It was first listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] in 1986.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.ashtead-group.com/aboutus/ourhistory.aspx|title=Our history|publisher=Ashtead Group|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226100346/http://www.ashtead-group.com/aboutus/ourhistory.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The company operates internationally and serves customers in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/AHT:LN/profile|title=AHT Profile & Executives - Ashtead Group PLC|work=Bloomberg|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123161556/http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/AHT:LN/profile|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transport==
===Road===
The A24 single-carriageway road runs through the centre of the village. In October 1985, Ashtead was joined to the UK motorway system, when the [[M25 motorway]] was opened between Wisley and Reigate.<ref>{{cite news |last= Petty |first= John |date= 5 October 1985 |title= Cracked M25 link to open |issue= 40526 |page=36 |location= London |work= Daily Telegraph }}</ref>

===Bus===
Route 408 (Epsom – Leatherhead – Cobham) is run by Falcon Buses and Route 479 (Epsom – Leatherhead – Guildford) is run by Arriva Kent & Sussex and Stagecoach.<ref name=SCC_Bus>{{cite web |url= https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-other-transport/bus-timetables/dorking-leatherhead-epsom-and-banstead |title= Banstead, Epsom, Dorking and Leatherhead bus timetables |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 16 December 2020 |publisher= Surrey County Council |access-date= 31 December 2020 |archive-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210102102015/https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-other-transport/bus-timetables/dorking-leatherhead-epsom-and-banstead#22 |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Railway===
[[File:Ashtead railway station, Surrey - geograph.org.uk - 3841887.jpg|thumb|Ashtead railway station]]
[[Ashtead railway station]] is to the northwest of the village centre and is managed by [[Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway)|Southern]].<ref name=Southern_Railway_Station>{{cite web |url= https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/station-information/stations/Ashtead |title= Ashtead |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= Southern Railway |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 27 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201027220041/https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/station-information/stations/ashtead |url-status= live }}</ref> The main ticket office building was rebuilt in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ashtead Railway Station |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-102.pdf |last= Powell |first= Goff |date= April 2014 |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210513115919/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-102.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> It is served by trains to {{stn|London Victoria}} via {{rws|Sutton|London}}, to {{stn|London Waterloo}} via {{stn|Wimbledon}}, to {{rws|Horsham}} via {{rws|Dorking}} and {{rws|Guildford}} via {{rws|Bookham}}.<ref name=Southern_Railway_Station/>

===Long-distance footpath===
The [[Thames Down Link]] long-distance footpath between [[Kingston upon Thames]] and [[Box Hill & Westhumble railway station|Box Hill]] runs through Ashtead Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspublications.nsf/f2d920e015d1183d80256c670041a50b/359f0ef32e86608b80257212004640cd/$FILE/TDLroute.pdf|title=Thames Down Link|publisher=Surrey County Council|access-date=6 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622015653/http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspublications.nsf/f2d920e015d1183d80256c670041a50b/359f0ef32e86608b80257212004640cd/%24FILE/TDLroute.pdf|archive-date=22 June 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Schools==
===Maintained schools===
[[File:St Giles School, Ashtead (June 2021).jpg|thumb|St Giles' School, Ashtead]]
The first school in Ashtead was established by the Howard family in 1815 and was located close to the [[almshouse]]s in Park Lane. On opening it catered for around 60 children, but numbers had grown to around 100 by 1850.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp179-181>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=179–181}}</ref> St Giles' Infant School was established in 1852 by Mary Howard to replace the Park Lane school. Originally boys and girls were taught separately, but the two halves were amalgamated in 1900. By 1904 there were 317 children enrolled.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp179-181/>

Barnett Wood Infant School was opened as Ashtead Council School in 1906. Initially it was housed in temporary facilities, but moved to its present brick building in 1914.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.barnett-wood.surrey.sch.uk/index.php?section=2&page=258 |title= History of Barnett Wood School |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= Barnett Wood Infant School |access-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-date= 12 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181112104733/http://www.barnett-wood.surrey.sch.uk/index.php?section=2&page=258 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp184-186>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=184–186}}</ref> The Greville Primary School was opened in 1958 and is thought to have been named after [[Fulk Greville Howard]], husband of Mary Howard.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp184-186/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.greville.surrey.sch.uk/ | title=The Greville School | access-date=24 April 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080509005716/http://www.greville.surrey.sch.uk/| archive-date= 9 May 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> West Ashtead Primary School was opened in 1964 and underwent an expansion in the mid-1970s.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp184-186/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.west-ashtead.surrey.sch.uk/ | title=West Ashtead Primary School | access-date=24 April 2008 | archive-date=15 September 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915094929/http://www.west-ashtead.surrey.sch.uk/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

St Andrew's Catholic Secondary School is in Leatherhead, close to the southern boundary of the village.<ref name=Vardey_1988_pp253-254>{{harvnb|Vardey|1988|pp=253–254}}</ref>

===Independent schools===
The [[City of London Freemen's School]] was founded in 1854 by the [[Corporation of London]] to educate orphans of the [[Freedom of the City of London|freemen]] of the city. Originally located in [[Brixton]], the school taught both boys and girls from the outset and it is one of the oldest [[mixed-sex education|coeducational]] establishments in the world. In 1926, the school moved to its present site in Ashtead Park and began to admit fee-paying pupils.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.freemens.org/schoolhistory |publisher= City of London Freemen's School |title= History |year= 2021 |access-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-date= 6 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200806063955/https://www.freemens.org/schoolhistory |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=Potted_Hist_Ashtead_Park>{{cite web |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-8.pdf |title= Ashtead Park House, Ashtead |first= Goff |last= Powell |date= August 2009 |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210513153246/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-8.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

Downsend Lodge (Ashtead) was founded as Ryebrook School in 1948. It was acquired by [[Downsend School]] in 1983 and is run as a pre-prep feeder school.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p192>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=192}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.downsend.co.uk/ | title=Downsend School | access-date=25 September 2009 | archive-date=29 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929063033/http://downsend.co.uk/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The main Downsend School site is in Leatherhead, close to the border with Ashtead.<ref name=Vardey_1988_pp182-184>{{harvnb|Vardey|1988|pp=182–184}}</ref>

===Former schools===
[[Parsons Mead School]] was an independent school founded by Jessie Elliston in 1897. In 1904 it moved to its permanent site in Ottways Lane and by the outbreak of the First World War it had 95 female pupils, aged between 10 and 18.<ref name=Parsons+Mead>{{cite web |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-79.pdf |title= Parsons Mead School |first= Goff |last= Powell |date= September 2015 |website=  |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210512160230/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-79.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> A decline in school numbers forced the school to close in 2006<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/local-news/anger-school-puts-up-shutters-4839071 |title= Anger as school puts up shutters |date= 14 July 2006 |work= Surrey Live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131227042415/http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/local-news/anger-school-puts-up-shutters-4839071 |archive-date= 27 December 2013 }}</ref> and the site was sold for housing a year later.<ref name=Parsons+Mead/>

==Places of worship==
{{see also|List of places of worship in Mole Valley}}

===St Giles' Church===
[[File:St Giles' Church, Park Road, Ashtead Park (NHLE Code 1028685) (August 2013) (1).jpg|thumb|St Giles' Church]]
St Giles' Church is first recorded in a charter of the [[Bishop of Winchester]] that dates from the early 12th century.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p28>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=28}}</ref>  It was built around 1115 with an endowment from Laurence of Rouen, probably as a private chapel for the nearby manor house.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p28/><ref name=SGSG_Our_Story>{{cite web |url= https://sgsgashtead.org.uk/ourstory |title= Our Story |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= St Giles' St Georges' |access-date= 11 May 2021 |archive-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210512160254/https://sgsgashtead.org.uk/ourstory |url-status= live }}</ref> The oldest surviving part is the east end of the [[nave]], the south wall of which includes some Roman tiles.<ref name=SGSG_Our_Story/><ref name=NHLE_StGiles>{{NHLE|num=1028685|desc=Church of St Giles|grade=II|fewer-links=yes|access-date=22 February 2021}}</ref>

The [[chancel]] was added in the 13th century and St Giles' became a church in its own right, with a [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|rector]] and [[vicar]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p28/> A substantial rebuilding took place in the 15th and 16th centuries, during which the tower was added.<ref name=SGSG_StGiles>{{cite web |url= https://sgsgashtead.org.uk/our-story-st-giles |title= St Giles' |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= St Giles' St Georges' |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122232/https://sgsgashtead.org.uk/our-story-st-giles |url-status= live }}</ref> The east window, which is attributed to the 16th-century artist [[Lambert Lombard]] of [[Liège]] was transferred from [[Herkenrode Abbey]], Belgium, in 1818.<ref name=NHLE_StGiles/> [[Charles Bagot]], ambassador at The Hague, procured the glass from the owner of the dissolved abbey and presented it to the church in honour of his relative, Mary Howard.<ref>Austin, E. J., ''Ashtead Church: its Story and Memories'' (Epsom, 1933), p. 26.</ref> The stone [[reredos]] and panelled-cedar chancel ceiling date from the same period. The [[ring of bells|ring]] of six bells dating from 1725, was recast as a peal of eight in 1873.<ref name=SGSG_StGiles/>

A major redevelopment took place in the 1890s, which included the renewal of the roof, [[pew]]s and [[pulpit]]. A new organ chamber was built at the same time and new arches were opened in the walls of the chancel and north aisle.<ref name=SGSG_StGiles/> The [[lychgate]] was erected in 1903 in memory of [[Lucas baronets|Sir Thomas Lucas]].<ref name=SGSG_StGiles/> The churchyard contains 16 [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission|Commonwealth war graves]] of service personnel of both World Wars.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ashtead (St Giles) Churchyard {{!}} Cemetery Report|url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/44617/ashtead-st-giles-churchyard/|website=Commonwealth War Graves Commission |access-date= 20 July 2023|language=en}}</ref>

===St George's Church===
[[File:St George's Church, Ashtead (Geograph Image 2032516 cffc5268).jpg|thumb|St George's Church]]
A small church built of corrugated iron was built in Lower Ashtead in 1882,<ref name=SGSG_Our_Story/> funded by a donation from Sir Thomas Lucas.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp165-168>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=165–168}}</ref> The [[foundation stone]] for the permanent replacement was laid in 1905 and St George's Church was consecrated in April of the following year.<ref name=St_Georges>{{cite web |url= https://sgsgashtead.org.uk/our-story-st-georges |title= St George's |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= St Giles' St Georges' |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 28 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228122232/https://sgsgashtead.org.uk/our-story-st-georges |url-status= live }}</ref> The brick building was designed by Arthur Conran Blomfield{{refn|Arthur Conran Blomfield (1863-1935) was the son of [[Arthur Blomfield|Sir Arthur William Blomfield]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp165-168/>|group=note}} and, on opening, consisted of a nave, chancel, north aisle and [[transept]].<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |title= Ecclesiastical Intelligence |date= 23 April 1906 |page= 11 |issue= 38001 }}</ref> An organ chamber and [[sacristy|vestry]] were added in 1908 and the church hall was constructed in 1954.<ref name=St_Georges/> A new east window, designed by [[Christopher Webb]], was installed in 1961 and the south aisle was built three years later.<ref name=St_Georges/>

A major redevelopment took place in the late 1990s, during which the old hall was demolished and a two-storey extension to the church was constructed. The church was reopened in 2001.<ref name=St_Georges/>

===St Michael's Catholic Church===
[[File:St Michael's RC Church, The Marld, Ashtead.JPG|thumb|St Michael's Catholic Church]]
The first regular Catholic masses to be held in Ashtead since Elizabethan times took place in the Constitutional Hall in Barnett Wood Lane in 1942.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch2.php |title= Chapter 2: Catholic life up to 1942 |last= McAllister |first= Monica |orig-date= April 1997 |publisher= St Michael's Catholic Church |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 4 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161004050027/http://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch2.php |url-status= live }}</ref> Two years later a bombed-out house in Woodfield Lane was purchased and the congregation began meeting in the corrugated iron garage on the site, replaced in 1947 by a wooden building.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch3.php |title= Chapter 3: Mawmead Shaw and the first chapel |last= McAllister |first= Monica |orig-date= April 1997 |publisher= St Michael's Catholic Church |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 4 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161004051603/http://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch3.php |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch4.php |title= Chapter 4: Rushmere and the hut chapel |last= McAllister |first= Monica |orig-date= April 1997 |publisher= St Michael's Catholic Church |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 1 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161001020927/http://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch4.php |url-status= live }}</ref>

The foundation stone of St Michael's Catholic Church was laid on 1 July 1967 and construction work was completed in October of the same year.<ref name=StMichael10>{{cite web |url= https://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch10.php |title= Chapter 10: The new church is opened |last= McAllister |first= Monica |date= April 1997 |publisher= St Michael's Catholic Church |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 4 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161004050830/http://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch10.php |url-status= live }}</ref> The architect was Eduardo Dodds<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch6.php |title= Chapter 6: The pressing need for a permanent church |last= McAllister |first= Monica |date= April 1997 |publisher= St Michael's Catholic Church |access-date= 22 February 2021 |archive-date= 1 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161001021717/http://www.stmichaelashtead.org.uk/parish-history-ch6.php |url-status= live }}</ref> and the [[altar (Catholic Church)|altar]] and [[baptismal font|font]] were designed by Joseph Cribb.<ref name=StMichael10/> The church hall was opened in 1983.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p173>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=173}}</ref>

===Ashtead Baptist Church===
The Baptist Church has its origins in the Ashtead Gospel Church, which was a temporary building,  constructed of corrugated iron in 1895.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ashteadvc.co.uk/History%20of%20Ashtead.html |title= A brief history of Ashtead |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= Ashtead Village Club |access-date= 11 May 2021 |archive-date= 30 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161030225344/http://www.ashteadvc.co.uk/History%20of%20Ashtead.html |url-status= live }}</ref> It became the Ashtead Free Church in 1913 and was replaced by a permanent brick building in 1924.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p171>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=171}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:Thomas Hearne - Trees in Ashtead Park, Surrey - B1975.3.1030 - Yale Center for British Art.jpg|thumb|''Trees in Ashtead Park, Surrey'' (undated) by [[Thomas Hearne (artist)|Thomas Hearne]] (1744–1817)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:10457 |title= Thomas Hearne, 1744–1817, British, Trees in Ashtead Park, Surrey, undated |author= <!--Not stated--> |publisher= Yale Center for British Art |access-date= 21 May 2021 |archive-date= 8 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210508003918/https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:10457 |url-status= live }}</ref>]]
Ashtead Choral Society was founded in 1949 and performs regularly in local venues, including the [[Dorking#Dorking Halls|Dorking Halls]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://ashteadchoralsociety.org.uk/about-us/ |title= About us |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 12 May 2021 |publisher= Ashtead Choral Society |access-date= 14 May 2021 |archive-date= 19 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210119124640/https://ashteadchoralsociety.org.uk/about-us/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-108.pdf |title= Ashtead Choral Society |first= Goff |last= Powell |date= February 2018 |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 14 May 2021 |archive-date= 14 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210514104843/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-108.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 2008, the society commissioned ''The Ashtead Psalms'' by [[Robert Steadman]] to mark its 50th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://robertsteadman.com/3301.html |title= Robert Steadman - Composer |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 17 April 2012 |publisher= Robert Steadman |access-date=  |quote= 14 May 2021 |archive-date= 24 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180124071643/http://www.robertsteadman.com/3301.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Sport==
[[File:Ashtead Cricket Club ground (June 2021).jpg|thumb|Ashtead cricket ground, Woodfield Lane]]
[[Ashtead Cricket Club]] was founded in 1887.<ref>{{Cite web |last=|first= |date= |title=Ashtead CC - History |url= https://www.ashteadcc.co.uk/a/history-24105.html |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620002841/https://www.ashteadcc.co.uk/a/history-24105.html |archive-date=2020-06-20|access-date=2020-06-19 |website=www.ashteadcc.co.uk}}</ref> The home ground is at Woodfield Lane and in 2020 the club played in the Premier league of the Surrey Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |year= 2020 |title=Surrey Championship Yearbook 2020 |url=http://files.pitchero.com/leagues/9748_1590834286.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622091136/http://files.pitchero.com/leagues/9748_1590834286.pdf|archive-date=2020-06-22 |access-date= 12 May 2021 }}</ref> The Old Freemen's Cricket Club also plays cricket in Ashtead. Its home fixtures are split between the grounds of the City of London Freemen's School in Ashtead Park and at Headley Cricket Club to work around term time use by the School.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.oldfreemenscricket.co.uk/ |title=Old Freemen's Cricket Club |year=2015 |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508101501/http://www.oldfreemenscricket.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ashtead Football Club was founded in 1894. Initially it played its home games at Woodfield Lane, but since [[World War II|the Second World War]] it has used the Recreation Ground.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ashteadfc.co.uk/ |title=Ashtead F.C. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210125191646/https://www.ashteadfc.co.uk/ |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date= 28 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-88.pdf |title= Ashtead Football Club |author= Goff Powell |date= June 2016 |website=  |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210512162557/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-88.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

The Old Freemen's Ladies' [[field hockey|hockey]] team play on the [[artificial turf|artificial pitch]] in Ashtead Park every Saturday, with training in Clapham.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.ofhc.co.uk/ |title= Old Freemen's Hockey Club |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122011100/http://www.ofhc.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Rugby Union]] has been played in Ashtead Park since 1930 as the home of the Old Freemen's RFC.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oldfreemens/ |title= Old Freemen's Rugby Football Club |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201023023632/https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oldfreemens/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>

==Parks and open spaces==
===Ashtead Common===
{{Main|Ashtead Common}}
In medieval times, Ashtead Common was the [[Manorialism#Manorial waste|waste land]] of the manor. It was used extensively for [[grazing]] of [[livestock]], trees were harvested for [[lumber|timber]] and many of the older [[oak]]s show signs of [[pollarding]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp6-12/>{{refn|There are more than 2,300 oak trees on Ashtead Common, many of which are thought to be between 200 and 300 years old.<ref name=Ormiston_2021>{{cite news |last= Ormiston |first= Sam |date= 2 October 2021 |title= The stunning nature reserve inside the M25 with 500 acres of the most beautiful woodland you never knew about |url= https://www.mylondon.news/lifestyle/travel/stunning-nature-reserve-inside-m25-21700085 |work= My London |access-date= 14 October 2021 |archive-date= 14 October 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211014214449/https://www.mylondon.news/lifestyle/travel/stunning-nature-reserve-inside-m25-21700085 |url-status= live }}</ref>|group=note}} Following the end of the Second World War, the Common was designated a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] and was protected as part of the Metropolitan Greenbelt. It was purchased by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) in 1988 and was passed to the Corporation of London in 1991.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp6-12/><ref>{{cite journal |last= Lever |first= R.A. |year= 1991 |title= City of London Corporation takes over Ashtead Common |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_5_NO_4_1991.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 5 |issue= 4 |page= 98 |access-date= 9 November 2021 }}</ref> Today the total area of the Common is approximately {{convert|200|ha|acre|-1|abbr=on}} and access is provided by public [[footpath]]s and [[bridle path|bridleways]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cms.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7A456139-0841-4A14-9255-8EDB69280299/0/ashtead_management_plan.pdf |title=Ashtead Common National Nature Reserve: Site Management Plan (1 April 2005 – 31 March 2010) |last1=Warnock |first1= R. |last2= Ritchie |first2= P. |year=2005 |work=Site Management Plan |publisher=Corporation of London Open Spaces Department |access-date= 25 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110723142649/http://cms.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7A456139-0841-4A14-9255-8EDB69280299/0/ashtead_management_plan.pdf |archive-date= 23 July 2011 }}</ref> It provides a [[habitat]] for 90 different bird species, including [[tawny owl]]s and [[European green woodpecker|green woodpeckers]], as well as 130 rare species of [[beetle]].<ref name=Ormiston_2021/>

===Ashtead Park===
[[File:Upper Pond, Ashtead 2 (June 2021).jpg|thumb|Upper Pond, [[Ashtead Park]]]]
{{Main|Ashtead Park}}
Ashtead Park was conceived as a 200-acre [[deer park (England)|deer park]], by Sir Robert Howard, who became Lord of the Manor in 1680.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp37-38/> Following the death of Pantia Ralli in 1924, the southern half was bought by the Corporation of London.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 1 April 1925 |title= Ashtead Park, Surrey |issue= 21819 |page= 13 |work= Daily Telegraph |location= London }}</ref> The northern part, which includes oak woodland and two large ponds has been designated a [[local nature reserve]] and is managed by [[Surrey Wildlife Trust]] on behalf of MVDC.<ref>{{cite web |url=  https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1009299&SiteName=&countyCode=41&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title=  Designated Sites View: Ashtead Park |series=  Local Nature Reserves |publisher=  Natural England |access-date= 12 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181018003106/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1009299&SiteName=&countyCode=41&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |archive-date= 18 October 2018 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/ashtead-park |title= Ashtead Park |publisher= Surrey Wildlife Trust |access-date= 18 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181024152609/https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/ashtead-park |archive-date= 24 October 2018 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

===Ashtead Rye Meadows===
The privately owned Ashtead Rye Meadows, to the west of the village, was designated a [[Site of Nature Conservation Interest]] in 2013.<ref name=ARM_SWT>{{cite web |url= https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/CausewayDocList/DocServlet?ref=MO/2015/0751&docid=563672 |title= Ecological Appraisal: Ashtead Rye Meadows SNCI Ashtead, Surrey |last= Jones |first= Jim |year= 2013 |publisher= Surrey Wildlife Trust |access-date= 23 May 2021 |archive-date= 23 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210523100247/https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/CausewayDocList/DocServlet?ref=MO%2F2015%2F0751&docid=563672 |url-status= live }}</ref> The {{convert|48|acre|ha|0|order=flip|abbr=on|adj=on}} site runs along the banks of The Rye, downstream of Ashtead Common. In the early Middle Ages, part of the area was known as "The Great Marsh" and the [[manorial roll|court roll]] of 1483 records its clearance and conversion into [[pasture]]. The system of drainage was also installed around this time and the oldest [[hedge]]s date from at least 1638.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ryemeadows.org.uk/home/about-us |title= About us |last= Burnett |first= Daphne |year= 2020 |publisher= Rye Meadows Wetlands |access-date= 23 May 2021 |archive-date= 16 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210116052536/http://ryemeadows.org.uk/home/about-us |url-status= live }}</ref> The course of The Rye through the meadows was straightened during the 1950s when the adjacent housing was constructed, leading to a loss of wildlife habitats.<ref name=ARM_SWT/><ref name=ARM_restoration>{{cite web |url= https://www.ryemeadows.org.uk/home/rye-restoration-project |title= Rye Restoration Project |author= <!--Not stated--> |year= 2015 |publisher= Ashtead Rye Meadows |access-date= 23 May 2021 |archive-date= 16 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210116055608/http://ryemeadows.org.uk/home/rye-restoration-project |url-status= live }}</ref> Volunteers restored the stream in the 2010s, reinstating the original meanders.<ref name=ARM_restoration/> In 2017, one area of the meadows was designated a "Centenary Field" to commemorate the 62 residents of Ashtead who died in the First World War.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.fieldsintrust.org/ArchivedNews/fields--ashtead-rye-meadows-wetlands-creates-living-legacy-to-mark-world-war-i-centenary |title= Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands creates living legacy to mark World War I Centenary |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 26 May 2017 |publisher= Fields in Trust |access-date= 5 September 2021 |archive-date= 12 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200812214255/http://fieldsintrust.org/ArchivedNews/fields--ashtead-rye-meadows-wetlands-creates-living-legacy-to-mark-world-war-i-centenary |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Recreation Ground===
The Recreation Ground in Barnett Wood Lane was opened in 1932.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p132/>

==Notable buildings and landmarks==
===Ashtead Park House===
Ashtead Park House was designed by [[Joseph Bonomi the Elder]] in the classical style and was completed in 1790. It is constructed from yellow [[London stock brick|stock bricks]] with [[Portland stone]] dressings. It was enlarged and altered in around 1880 for Sir Thomas Lucas. Notable features include the {{circa|1790}} circular [[drawing room|saloon]], which has [[scagliola]] columns and a plaster [[frieze]]. The interiors of the [[Jacobean architecture|Jacobean-style]] entrance hall and other principal rooms date from the late 19th century. The main staircase features an [[Adam style|Adam-style]] [[bronze]] [[handrail|balustrade]]. The building is now Grade II* listed and is part of the City of London Freemen's School.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1028682|desc=Ashtead Park House|grade=II*|access-date=22 February 2021|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>

===Coal-tax posts===
[[File:Ashtead Common, Coal Tax Post - geograph.org.uk - 1054410.jpg|thumb|'Type 2' coal-tax post on [[Ashtead Common]]]]
Six surviving [[coal-tax post]]s are positioned at intervals along the northern boundaries of Ashtead. These posts marked the limits of the tax jurisdiction of the Corporation of London and were erected under the provisions of the London Coal and Wine Duties Continuance Act 1861.<ref name=Crossland_1991>{{cite journal |last1= Crossland |first1= E.A |year= 1991 |title= City posts |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_5_NO_4_1991.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 5 |issue= 4 |pages= 121–124 |access-date= 24 May 2021 }}</ref> The majority of the posts are classified as 'Type 2' and are made of [[cast iron]], painted white. The post adjacent to the railway line is a taller 'Type 4' design, made of unpainted stone.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://eehe.org.uk/?p=31200 |title= Coal Tax Posts |last= Winfield |first= Nick |date= June 2013 |publisher= Epsom & Ewell History Explorer |access-date= 24 May 2021 |archive-date= 24 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210524144205/https://eehe.org.uk/?p=31200 |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Feilding House===
[[File:Feilding House almshouses, Ashtead - geograph.org.uk - 5979435.jpg|thumb|right|Feilding House]]
The almshouses in The Street were established following a bequest from Lady Diana Howard, who lived at Ashtead Park until her death in 1733. They are thought to take their name from that of her second husband, the [[Whigs (British political party)|Whig]] politician, [[William Feilding (1669–1723)|William Feilding]]. Originally the building accommodated six widows, but in 1852, alterations were carried out to increase the number of residents to eight.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5979435 |title= 128 - 142 The Street |last= Capper |first= Ian |date= 18 November 2018 |website= geograph.org.uk |access-date= 22 May 2021 |archive-date= 22 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210522063155/https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5979435 |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Grey Wings===
Grey Wings is a detached house that was designed by the architects [[Giles Gilbert Scott]] and his brother [[Adrian Gilbert Scott|Adrian]]. It was built in 1913 and has been [[Listed building#England and Wales|Grade II listed]] on the [[National Heritage List for England]] since January 1999.<ref name=NHLE>{{NHLE|num=1391240|desc=Grey Wings|grade=II|access-date=4 December 2017|fewer-links=yes}}</ref> It was occupied by the Boustead family shortly after completion.<ref name='LeatherHistory'>{{cite web|title=Ashtead War Memorials - WWI - Lieut Lawrence Clive Boustead, Royal Dublin Fusiliers|url=http://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/ashtead-war-memorials/AshteadWM-BousteadLC-story.htm|publisher=Leatherhead Local History|access-date=5 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206074509/http://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/ashtead-war-memorials/AshteadWM-BousteadLC-story.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> It has been subject to very few alterations since its construction.<ref name=NHLE/>

Grey Wings was put up for sale for £2.1 million in September 2015. It was listed as having 4 reception rooms and 6 bedrooms.<ref name='RM15'>{{cite web|title=6 bedroom property for sale|url=http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54531404.html|publisher=Right Move|access-date=5 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206074606/http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54531404.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower pub===
The oldest parts of the Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower pub date from the late 17th century and an innkeeper is first recorded as working there in 1707. The building has a [[timber framing|timber-framed]] core, but the frontage was extended in the early 20th century. It is protected by a Grade II listing.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1028659|desc=Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower |grade=II* |access-date=22 February 2021 |fewer-links=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-95.pdf |title= The Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower |first= Goff |last= Powell |date= January 2017 |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210513153246/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-95.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Memorial fountain===
[[File:Howard Memorial Fountain, The Street, Ashtead (NHLE Code 1188512) (August 2013).JPG|thumb|right|upright|The Howard Memorial Fountain]]
The Memorial Fountain was erected by the parishioners of Ashtead in 1879 in memory of Mary Howard.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p105>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=105}}</ref> It is built from sandstone [[ashlar]] in the form of a medieval cross.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England|desc=The Howard Memorial Fountain|num=1188512}}</ref>

===Peace Memorial Hall===
The Peace Memorial Hall in Woodfield Lane was built to celebrate the end of the First World War. The single-storey building was opened in 1924 by [[Rowland Blades, 1st Baron Ebbisham|Sir Rowland Blades]] and functions as a [[village hall]].<ref name=Stuttard_1995_pp123-124>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|pp=123–124}}</ref><ref name=Jackson_1977_p192>{{harvnb|Jackson|1977|p=192}}</ref>

===Public Library===
The [[public library|library]] in Woodfield Lane is run by Surrey County Council.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/your-library/find-your-nearest/ashtead |title= Ashtead Library |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 26 April 2021 |publisher= Surrey County Council |access-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-date= 27 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201127081649/https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/your-library/find-your-nearest/ashtead |url-status= live }}</ref> The brick building was designed by the county architect RJ Ash and was opened in 1968.<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p234/>

===Village Club===
Ashtead Village Club was founded in 1887 as a church social club for men of the parish, to provide an alternative source of entertainment to the local [[pub]]s. The club moved to its present site in 1888, but the premises were bombed in 1941 and a partial rebuilding took place in the early 1950s. The current two-storey building was opened in 1966. Women were allowed to become full members of the club in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ashteadvc.co.uk |title= Ashtead Village Club |author= <!--Not stated--> |year= 2020 |publisher= Ashtead Village Club |access-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-date= 7 March 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180307005526/http://ashteadvc.co.uk/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Whittaker's Cottages===
[[File:Weald & Downland Museum (6982713727).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Whittaker's Cottages at the Weald and Downland Living Museum]]
Whittaker's Cottages were constructed adjacent to the railway line in  the mid-1860s and are named after a [[farmworker|farm labourer]] who had owned the land before they were built. Each two-storey, [[semi-detached]] cottage measures {{convert|12|ft|m|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on}} deep. Although the shared [[chimney]] and [[Foundation (engineering)|foundations]] are made from brick, the cottages are built primarily of [[lumber|timber]]. Imported [[softwood]] from the [[Baltic states|Baltic]] was used for the walls, floors, roof and [[siding (construction)|cladding]] and [[hardwood]] was used for the infill framing. The cottages were dismantled in 1987 and were relocated to the [[Weald and Downland Living Museum]] in [[West Sussex]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.wealddown.co.uk/buildings/whittakers-cottages-from-ashtead/ |title= Whittaker's Cottages from Ashtead |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 12 January 2021 |publisher= Weald & Downland Living Museum |access-date= 19 May 2021 |archive-date= 26 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210126024000/https://www.wealddown.co.uk/buildings/whittakers-cottages-from-ashtead/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Notable residents==
* [[Edward Aston (died 1568)|Edward Aston]] (d. 1568) was [[High Sheriff of Staffordshire|Sheriff of Staffordshire]] and owned the Manor of Ashtead from 1526 to 1543<ref name=Lever_1986>{{cite journal |last1= Lever |first1= R.A |year= 1986|title= Notes on some Ashtead personalities |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_4_NO_10_1986.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 4 |issue= 10 |pages= 284–289 |access-date= 22 May 2021 }}</ref>
* [[Edward Darcy]] (d. 1612) was a politician and courtier and owned the Manor of Ashtead from 1589 until his death<ref name=Lever_1986/>
* [[Samuel Pepys]] (1633&ndash;1703) visited Ashtead in the 17th century and spent some time living there as a boy<ref name=Pepys_Epsom/>
* [[Thomas Tyers]] (1726&ndash;1787) author<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Lowther |first1= A.W.G. |year= 1960|title= Ashtead and its history XII |url= https://leatherheadhistoryarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VOL_2_NO_4_1960.pdf |journal= Proceedings of the Leatherhead & District Local History Society |volume= 2 |issue= 4 |pages= 116–126 |access-date= 15 May 2021 }}</ref>
* [[Thomas Byam Martin]] (1773&ndash;1854) [[Royal Navy]] officer and politician<ref>{{Cite ODNB |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/18214 |title=Martin, Sir Thomas Byam|year=2004| last=Laughton |first=J.K. |editor1-first = Andrew |editor1-last= Lambert}}</ref>
* [[Sara Jeannette Duncan]] (1861&ndash;1922) Canadian author and journalist, who wrote under the pen name Mrs Everard Cotes<ref>{{cite web |title=Duncan, Sara, Jeannette (Cotes) |url=http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/duncan_sara_jeannette_15E.html |first=Misao |last=Dean |work=Dictionary of Canadian Biography |volume=15 |publisher=University of Toronto/Université Laval |year=2005 |access-date=6 August 2014 |archive-date=4 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804140608/http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/duncan_sara_jeannette_15E.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Robert Kahn (composer)|Robert Kahn]] (1865&ndash;1951) composer, lived in Ashtead from 1938 until his death<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rcm.ac.uk/singingasong/stories/discoveringthemusicofrobertkahn/ |title= Discovering the Music of Robert Kahn |last= Meyn |first= Norbert |year= 2019 |publisher= Royal College of Music |location= London |access-date= 10 September 2021 |archive-date= 14 October 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211014214452/https://www.rcm.ac.uk/singingasong/stories/discoveringthemusicofrobertkahn/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
* [[Robert Davis (inventor)|Robert Davis]] (1870&ndash;1965) inventor of the [[Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus|Submerged Escape Apparatus]] used by [[submarine]] crews in the Second World War.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |date= 31 March 1965 |title= Sir Robert Davis Obituary |issue= 56284 |page= 16}}</ref>
* [[Elsie Knocker]] later Baroness de T'Serclaes, MM, OStJ  (1884&ndash;1978) nurse and ambulance driver on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]] during [[World War I]]<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |date= 6 May 1978 |title= Baroness de T'Serclaes Obituary |issue= 60294 |page= 16}}</ref>
* [[Albert Marshall (veteran)|Albert Marshall]] (1897&ndash;2005) the last surviving British [[cavalryman]] to have fought on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]] during [[World War I]].<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |date= 6 June 2005 |title= Albert Marshall Obituary |issue= 68406 |page= 50}}</ref>
* [[Beverley Nichols]] (1898&ndash;1957) writer and composer<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-51.pdf |title= Beverley Nichols - Merry Hall |first= Goff |last= Powell |date= May 2013 |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |access-date= 12 May 2021 |archive-date= 13 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210513153247/https://www.leatherheadlocalhistory.org.uk/miscellany/potted-history-51.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>
* [[A. P. Herbert]] (1890&ndash;1971) writer and politician<ref>{{Cite ODNB |doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/31222 |year=2004 |last1=Pound |first1=Reginald |editor1-first = Katherine |editor1-last=Mullin |title=Herbert, Sir Alan Patrick|freearticle=y}}</ref>
* [[Kathleen Riddick]] (1907&ndash;1973) pioneering conductor and founder of the Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra<ref name=Stuttard_1995_p197>{{harvnb|Stuttard|1995|p=197}}</ref>
* [[Pete Brown]] (1940&ndash;2023) performance poet, lyricist and singer, best known for his collaborations with Cream and Jack Bruce<ref name="TOD">{{harvnb|Joynson|2006|pp=126–127}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Welch |first= Chris |date= 1 June 2023 |title= Pete Brown obituary |work= The Guardian |url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/01/pete-brown-obituary |access-date= 20 August 2023 }}</ref>
* [[Evan Davis]] (b. 1962) journalist and television presenter, grew up in Ashtead.<ref>{{cite web |access-date = 27 June 2011 |publisher = [[BBC]] |title = Evan Davis to become a permanent presenter on Today|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/01_january/23/evan.shtml |archive-date = 27 January 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090127041426/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/01_january/23/evan.shtml |url-status = live }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of places of worship in Mole Valley]]
*{{Portal-inline|Surrey}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
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* {{cite book |last= Cary |first= John |author-link= John Cary |year= 1790 |title= Survey of the High Roads from London |publisher= J. Cary |location= London |oclc= 65343822 |url= https://eehe.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CarysSurveyOfHighways1790.pdf |access-date= 25 May 2024 }}
* {{cite book |last= Davies |first= Gerald |year= 1881 |title= Surrey Local Names |location= Godalming |publisher= R.B. Steadman }}
* {{cite book |last=Evelyn |first= John |author-link= John Evelyn |year= 1879 |title= Diary of John Evelyn |location= London |publisher= Frederick Warne & Co. |editor-first= William |editor-last= Bray |editor-link= William Bray (antiquary) }}
* {{cite book |last= Fiennes |first= Celia |author-link=Celia Fiennes |year= 1888 |title= Through England on a Side Saddle in the Time of William and Mary |location= London |publisher= Leadenhall Press}}
* {{cite book |last1= Gover |first1= J.E.B |last2= Mawer |first2= A. |author-link2= Allen Mawer |last3= Stenton |first3= F.M. |author-link3= Frank Stenton |year= 1934 |title= The Place-names of Surrey |location= Cambridge |publisher= Cambridge University Press }}
* {{cite book |editor1-last= Latham |editor1-first= Robert |editor1-link= Robert Latham (editor) |editor2-last= Matthews |editor2-first= William |year= 1971 |title= The Diary of Samuel Pepys |location= London |publisher= Harper Collins |volume= 4 |isbn= 978-0-00-499024-8 |doi= 10.1093/actrade/9780004990248.book.1 }}
* {{cite book |editor-last= Jackson |editor-first= Alan A. |year= 1977 |title= Ashtead, a village transformed: A history of Ashtead from the earliest times to the present day |location= Leatherhead |publisher=  Leatherhead & District Local History Society |isbn= 978-0-95-060090-1}}
* {{cite book| first= Vernon| last= Joynson| year= 2006| title= The Tapestry of Delights Revisited| edition= 1st| publisher= Borderline productions| location= Telford| isbn= 1-899855-15-7}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last= Malden |editor1-first= H.E. |editor-link= Henry Elliot Malden |year= 1911 |title= A History of the County of Surrey |volume= 3 |location= London |publisher= Victoria County History |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42962 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030110142/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42962 |archive-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book |editor1-last= Stuttard |editor1-first= J.C. |year= 1995 |title= A History of Ashtead |location= Leatherhead |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |isbn= 978-0-95-060092-5 }}
* {{cite book |editor1-last= Vardey |editor1-first= Edwina |year= 1988 |title= History of Leatherhead: a town at the crossroads |location= Leatherhead |publisher= Leatherhead & District Local History Society |isbn= 978-0-95-060091-8}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ashtead}}
* [https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/ashtead-common Ashtead Common]
* [http://www.ashteadresidents.org.uk Ashtead Residents' Association]
* [http://www.ashteadvc.co.uk Ashtead Village Club]

{{Geographic location
|title     = '''Neighbouring areas of Surrey'''
|Northwest = [[Oxshott]]
|North     = [[Epsom Common]]
|Northeast = [[Epsom]]
|East      = [[Langley Vale]]
|Centre    = Ashtead
|West      = [[Stoke D'Abernon]]
|Southwest = [[Leatherhead]]
|South     = Tyrells Wood
|Southeast = [[Headley, Surrey|Headley]] <br />[[Walton-on-the-Hill]]
}}
{{Mole Valley}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Villages in Surrey]]
[[Category:Former civil parishes in Surrey]]
[[Category:Local Nature Reserves in Surrey]]
[[Category:Leatherhead]]