Distinctive white undersides. That is the secret to Whyteleafe’s name. We are now in Whyteleafe. This village in Surrey has a unique story. Its name comes from the whitebeam trees. These trees show off their white undersides.
Let’s dive into Whyteleafe’s past. Nathaniel Glover purchased White Leaf field in 1855. George Henry Drew later built White Leafe House. By 1881, people knew the area as Whiteleafe. Before that, Whyteleafe was part of Caterham. It was also a small part of Warlingham and Coulsdon.
Whyteleafe grew. Its first primary school opened in 1892. The school expanded in 1900 and again in 1907. By 1911, Whyteleafe’s population was larger than Warlingham village. A county council secondary school for girls opened that year.
What about getting around Whyteleafe? The village has three railway stations. They are Whyteleafe South, Whyteleafe and Upper Warlingham. Southern services run through all three. The Godstone Road, or A22, runs north to south. Bus routes 407, 434 and 439 also serve the area.
Whyteleafe changed when the railway arrived. It was on its way to Caterham in 1856. A second line opened in 1884. This Oxted Line served different destinations to the south. It also ran to London Bridge or Victoria.
For sports, there is AFC Whyteleafe. This football club plays on Church Road. They moved here in 1959. Before that, they played on a field off New Barn Lane. Now, Kenley School uses that field. There is also a recreation ground. It sits below wooded hills in the east of town.
Want to play tennis? Visit Caterham and Whyteleafe Tennis Club. It is in Manor Park near Whyteleafe South Station. If golf is more your style, head to Surrey National Golf Club. It is in nearby Chaldon.
Who governs Whyteleafe? Surrey County Council has one councillor for Caterham Valley. This includes Whyteleafe. Tandridge District Council has two representatives for Whyteleafe. Whyteleafe also has its own parish council. Seven parish councillors are elected every four years.
As of 2021, Whyteleafe had a population of 4,620. The village covers an area of 2.167 square kilometers. It is a vibrant community with a rich history. From its whitebeam trees to its railway lines, Whyteleafe has a unique charm.