A whisper of history hangs in the air here on Banstead Downs. Banstead Downs a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Imagine this vast landscape stretching from Epsom to Croydon and Reigate. For centuries Banstead Downs was open land. Horse racing was a popular pastime. King Charles II and the Duke of York even attended a race meeting here in 1683.
Banstead Downs is more than just a pretty view. It has a rich history. Its name is mentioned in an Anglo-Saxon charter dating back to AD 967. The Domesday Book of 1086 refers to it as Benestede. This tells us about the area’s early agricultural significance. Beans were probably grown. The name translates to an inhabited place.
The Downs were not only for recreation. They were vital for the local economy. High-quality wool was produced. The manor passed through various hands. It belonged to wealthy gentry and the church. Eventually it became Crown property. Edward I visited more than once. Henry VIII even included it in Catherine of Aragon’s dowry. But he later gave it away to a court favourite. Sir Nicholas Carew lost his head for treason. However the manor remained in his family until the 18th century.
The Downs were also home to sheep. In the 14th century a dispute arose over sheep seized on Banstead Downs. The Abbot of Chertsey sued for the return of 1500 sheep. The high quality of Banstead wool was even noted in a 1454 House of Commons petition. Alexander Pope mentioned this reputation for sheep in his writings.
Beyond sheep and wool Banstead Downs was a stage for various activities. Footraces prizefights wrestling and hunting took place here. Vast crowds gathered for these events. The Downs were also a hiding place for highwaymen. They preyed on wealthy people travelling from London to Brighton or attending Epsom’s spa.
But there is a darker side. The Gally Hills are four tumuli or burial mounds. They are Saxon burial sites. But they are also linked to a gallows. This suggests a less pleasant use for the Downs. Archaeological digs have revealed remains of a Saxon warrior and evidence of executions.
Today Banstead Downs is much smaller than its historical extent. New developments have reduced its size. Yet it retains its charm. It remains a special place. It is a treasured green space. It’s a place where you can walk appreciate nature and imagine the past. The Downs continue to tell stories of kings races sheep and even highwaymen. It’s a vibrant reminder of Surrey’s rich history.