Have you ever wondered why this little corner of Surrey is called Claygate? There are two main reasons, and they both have to do with Claygate Common itself. The common is a lovely haven of green space, a real lung for the area. It’s so peaceful and relaxing, but it was once busy with a different kind of life.
Hundreds of years ago, before Claygate was a village, the common was full of clay pits. In fact, this is where the village got its name, from the clay, with “gate” meaning a passage or road. The clay from here was used to make lots of things, including bricks! It’s quite impressive – the clay used to repair Hampton Court Palace came from these very pits! You can still see evidence of this brick-making history today, like the street name Kilnside. Can you guess what this was once home to?
It wasn’t just bricks and tiles, though. Claygate Common has another link to the area’s past: the Claygate Pearmain apple! This famous apple was discovered in the 19th century, growing in a hedge on this very common. Next time you’re enjoying the peace of Claygate Common, think about the bustling industry and the historical details that are hidden in plain sight.