The history of Molesey is deeply intertwined with the River Thames. Right here, on the south bank of the Thames, you’ll find a collection of two villages, East Molesey and West Molesey, that make up this vibrant community.
Molesey is a place with roots stretching back hundreds of years. The earliest mention of a settlement here comes from a 7th-century charter, shortly after Erkenwald founded Chertsey Abbey. He secured land from Frithwald, sub-king of Surrey, which included Muleseg, the name that predates our modern Molesey. Etymologists believe the name comes from the personal name Mul or Mule combined with the Old English word ‘eg’ meaning an island or river meadow, thus ‘Mul’s Island’. So, Molesey is not, as many people assume, actually named after the River Mole which flows through it.
Over the centuries, Molesey underwent its own fascinating evolution, developing into a bustling town. It was a significant part of the Elmbridge hundred, a Saxon administrative district. And in the Domesday Book of 1066, East Molesey is listed as Moleshire, held by John from Richard Fitz Gilbert. Its assets included two hides and three virgates, seven ploughs, two oxen, and 32 acres of meadow and woodland, rendering 6 pounds 15 shillings in value. West Molesey was held by Odard Balistarius, its single hide, church, and five ploughs valued at 2.5 pounds.
You can picture the bustling community here in the 19th century, when the railway arrived at Hampton Court in 1849. Land developer Francis Jackson Kent recognized the potential of the area, purchasing land and selling it to wealthy individuals and developers who quickly built on the meadows.
Molesey, like many villages and towns along the Thames Valley, experienced devastating flooding in 1968, particularly due to the River Mole. This flood led to the installation of barriers and overflow fields to protect the town from future flooding.
Despite these challenging moments, Molesey remained a thriving community, its history forever linked to the Thames, its residents, and its extraordinary characters. It’s a place where you can discover the past in its streets, parks, and buildings.