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4. Twentieth century

1900-2000

6167b
Pillboxes were defensive structures crucial to the defense of Surrey in World War 2
Image: Paul Bowen

Twentieth century Surrey was shaped by the demands of war. The county once again took up the challenge of supplying London with food. Defensive posts were spread across the countryside and key towns were defended against enemy attack to block the invasion route to London. But the twentieth century also saw a growing specialisation in Surrey's industries as the county began to take on an important role in the development of England's aircraft and car manufacture.

Houses

  • Homewood, built in 1938-9 by Patrick Gwynne in Modern Style

Homewood, Porstmouth Road, Esher
Reproduced courtesy of Surrey History Centre
Part of the Historic Buildings and Antiquities photograph collection
CC1101/3/59/290-293

Other Landmarks

  • Pill box, Waverley Abbey Site, Farnham - anti-tank defences including pillboxes and other structures
  • Pill box, Elstead Mill - a hexagonal pillbox on the GHQ line along the River Wey; disguised as a summerhouse
  • Pill box, Silent Pool, Albury - a hexagonal pillbox on the GHQ line along the River Wey; disguised as a petrol station with pumps
  • The Sea Wall, Hankley Common, Farnham - a reconstruction of Hitler's Atlantic wall, which had been built along the coat of France and Belgium. It was used to test assault equipment on obstacles likely to be found during a landing in Europe
  • Tweedsmuir Camp, Thursley - The remains of a large Canadian-built camp set up during the Second World War
  • Air Raid Shelter remains, Farnham Park
  • Anti-tank ditch, Seale
  • Bronze Foundry, Thames Ditton - produced monumental statues from 1874-1939, including the Quadriga at Hide Park Corner
  • Bottings' Albury Mill, Postford on the Tillingbourne - used 1910 roller equipment to grind corn up until 1990
  • Brooklands, Croydon, Dunsfold, Fairoaks, Egham, Gatwick, Horne, Hurst Park, Kenley, Lingfield, Redhill, Stoke d'Abernon and Wisley - Airfields in Surrey, active during the Second World War
  • World War 2 Nodal points at: Dorking, Guildford and Redhill (Category A, administered by Chatham garrison) Betchworth, Byfleet, Cranleigh, Egham, Godalming, Godstone, Haslemere, Horely, Leatherhead, Limpsfield, Newchapel and Shere (Category B)

Museums containing 20th Century collections

Contributor:Surrey Heritage

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Your comments about 4. Twentieth century

Ann Palmer I would like more information on Witley
Army Camp - pictures especially.
Also details of when the Van Doos (22e Royal Regiment) were resident in Witley
Camp. I believe they were at Laurentide.
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©2007 Surrey County Council. All Rights Reserved. Exploring Surrey's Past