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1066 - 1485
An artists drawing of Abinger Motte
Religion was an important part of medieval life. Local lords began to build small churches near their manor houses, and many, such as those in Wisley and Titsey, soon became the churches for the parishes. More monasteries were built across Surrey, such as the first Cistercian monastery which was
Waverley Abbey: the first Cistercian abbey
in England
Godalming, Reigate, Farnham and Guildford developed during the 12th and 13th centuries, as people started to live close to important castles and monasteries which became centres for trade and markets. Farming was still very important and small industries also began to develop. In Chiddingfold, the glassmaking industry had become so successful that in 1240 they were asked to make the coloured glass for the windows of the new Westminster Abbey. Quarries around Godstone and Merstham provided stone for building, and large pottery industries made jugs, bowls and cups for the London market.
In 1349 the Black Death probably affected many communities across Surrey; the landowners often didn't have enough people to farm their lands because about a third to a half of all the people in the country died. Survivors of the Black Death began to leave the countryside to live in towns where they could work for themselves and be independent. People left on the farms could and did demand proper wages and more freedom. Some peasants became rich enough to build themselves good timbered houses, many of which are still homes for Surrey people after 600 years!
Medieval Surrey
Castles
Click the bold links to see more information including the Historic Environment Record pages.
- Abinger - remains of Norman earthwork castle. Click here.
- Betchworth Castle - remains of Norman castle. Click here.
- Bletchingley Castle - built and owned by the de Clares. Click here.
- Chessington - remains found of early Norman castle. Click here.
- Cranleigh - remains found of early Norman castles. Click here.
- Esher Place - the brick gatehouse was built around 1480 for Bishop Waynefleet of Winchester. Altered by William Kent in c.1730. Click here.
- Farnham Castle - (Norman origin) belonged to Henry de Blois, Bishop of Winchester. Click here.
- Guildford Castle - Royal castle built by William I. Click here.
- Starborough Castle, Lingfield, 1341
- Ockley, - remains found of early Norman castle. Click here.
- Reigate Castle - created in 1088 by William De Warenne (Earl of Surrey). Fortified by the Earl of Arundel in 14th century but largely decayed by 1622. Click here.
- Walton on the Hill - remains of Norman earthwork castle. Click here.
Houses
- South Park Farm, Grayswood - best preserved moated site in the county - Witley
- Medieval moated site - Albury Farm, Merstham
- Brooklands Farmhouse, Weybridge
- Hextalls Manor, Little Pickle, Bletchingley
- Undercroft - (now the Tourist Office in Guildford High Street) part of an original 13th century shop
- Pachenesham Manor - moated site, excavated in 1948 - Leatherhead . Records of the manor survive from c.1300
- Lagham Manor - late 13th century moated site, seat of Roger de St John - Godstone.
- Moated site - Burstow Lodge
- Cogman’s Farm - moated site, between Outwood and Horne
- Crowhurst Place - moated site
Monasteries and Churches
- 10th century Benedictine house extensively re-built in 1110 - Chertsey Abbey
- Augustinian Priory and hospital dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and Holy Cross. Founded in the early 13th century - Reigate Priory
- Tithe barn - built by the monks at Waverley Abbey - Wanborough
- St Catherine’s Chapel. The present building was erected by Richard de Wauncey, Rector of St Nicholas, and consecrated in May 1317. Guildford
- Church of St Mary the Virgin - remains of the 15th century church - Ewell.
- Ashtead, near St Giles' Church - possible medieval earthworks
- St Mary’s Parish Church - 11th century church with alterations dating to 12th-13th century - Fetcham
- West Humble Chapel - ruins of medieval chapel
- Winchester Palace, Southwark, (not in modern Surrey)
- site of the town house of the Bishop of Winchester. Initially built in the 1140s, parts of the 13th century great hall and 14th century additions can still be seen - Church of St Peter and St Paul - late 12th century wall paintings showing the salvation/damnation of souls. Hidden with whitewash by the Puritans, the walls are now uncovered again - Chaldon
St Catherine's Chapel
Other Medieval Sites
- Eashing Bridge - medieval bridge across the river Wey
- Banstead Heath earthworks - possible medieval stock enclosures
- Henley Wood earthworks, Chelsham - medieval enclosures
- Holt Wood earthworks, Chelsham - medieval enclosures
- Elstead Bridge - medieval bridge across the river Wey
- Bridge north end of Tilford Green - medieval bridge across the river Wey
- Quarry Field building stone quarry, Merstham - the tunnels appear to be medieval in origin, but were re-opened by 1807 and extended.
- Pottery Kilns - remains of medieval pottery kilns were found during the building of the M25 motorway, Limpsfield
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