Leatherhead is at the north end of the Mole Gap, formed by the river Mole cutting through the North Downs, and occupies a central and accessible location within the historic county of Surrey.
The County Court was held here until Henry III (1216-72) removed it to Guildford and in 1588 the County Justices met here to consider what measures should be taken if the Spanish Armada were to land forces.
Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas; before restoration, 1888
Photographic Survey and Record of Surrey no. 2759
Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas; after restoration, 1904
Photographic Survey and Record of Surrey no. 1359
The parish church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas has been much added to and restored, and gets its unusual dedication from 1345 when it became the property of a Priory of this name at Leeds, Kent. It sits at the southern edge of the historic centre in an open and prominent position.
The streets within the centre form a staggered road junction whose importance to the townscape is enhanced by the gradual rise up from the fine 18th century bridge over the river Mole. The older properties are tight against the footpaths to produce narrow, gently curving views.
Leatherhead, St Johns Schools, 1899
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection
St John's school was founded at St Johns Wood, London, in 1851, and transferred to Leatherhead in 1872; the main building was gutted by fire in 1913, and rebuilt in 1914.
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