Perhaps you have heard Walton-on-Thames referred to as simply Walton. This market town sits proudly on the south bank of the River Thames. It is located in northwest Surrey England. Walton-on-Thames is part of the Borough of Elmbridge. It sits about 15 miles southwest of central London.
Walton-on-Thames history stretches back centuries. The name Walton is Anglo-Saxon and means Briton settlement or Welsh Town. Before the Romans even arrived a Celtic settlement thrived here.
Did you know that some historians believe Julius Caesar forded the River Thames here? This allegedly occurred during his second invasion of Britain. William Camden identified Cowey Stakes in Walton as the crossing point.
Let’s talk about the Domesday Book. In 1086 Walton appears as Waletona. Edward de Sarisber and Richard de Tonbrige jointly held it. At the time Walton had a church two mills a fishery 14 ploughs and supported 50 hogs.
The heart of Walton’s village was originally in the north. Later it expanded south around the railway station. Much of the land was south of the South Western Main Line. This area included Walton Heath Burwood manor and Hersham manor.
St Mary’s Parish Church has stood for centuries in Walton. It contains Saxon elements and 12th-century architecture. Additions have been made over time. Its square flint tower features eight bells. The oldest bell dates back to 1606. Inside you will find a monument to Richard Boyle Viscount Shannon. The French sculptor Roubiliac created it in 1755.
An interesting item is kept at St Mary’s Church. It is a copy of a scold’s bridle. Jerome K. Jerome mentions it in his book Three Men in a Boat.
John Bradshaw a prominent figure lived here in the 17th century. He lived in the Tudor manor house. Bradshaw presided at Charles I’s trial.
Walton’s landscape changed in 1800. The Walton-upon-Thames and Walton Leigh Inclosure Act privatized common lands. This affected 3117 acres of Walton manors.
Baseball history was made here. The world’s first documented baseball game took place in Ashley Park in 1749. Charles Sackville Earl of Middlesex and Frederick Prince of Wales both played.
A school board was formed in Walton in 1878. An existing school was expanded. An infant school was then built in 1884.
During World War I Walton became a haven for wounded soldiers. New Zealand troops were treated at the No 2 New Zealand General Hospital at Mount Felix House. They are remembered at the cemetery and in St Mary’s Church.
Walton-on-Thames saw significant change in 1933. It merged with Weybridge Urban District. This formed Walton and Weybridge Urban District.
The town suffered during World War II. Its proximity to Brooklands aircraft factories made it a target. Fighter pilot F/Sgt Charles Sydney died in Walton when his Spitfire crashed.
Walton Town Hall was demolished after Walton became part of the Borough of Elmbridge in 1974.
Walton-on-Thames has a fascinating transport history. The railway station provides frequent service to London Waterloo. The station was pivotal to the town’s growth. The population quadrupled between 1851 and 1911.
Six versions of Walton Bridge have spanned the Thames. The current bridge opened in 2013. It is a single-span parabolic tied-arch bridge.
Walton-on-Thames is more than just a town. It is a place where history innovation and community converge. From Celtic settlements to baseball games Walton’s story continues to evolve.