Parts of Chertsey town centre are of outstanding interest. The town owes its existence to the establishment in 666 of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, commonly referred to as Chertsey Abbey. It was pillaged around 1010 but was rebuilt and became one of the most magnificent and richly endowed monasteries. At the Dissolution in 1537 many of the materials were taken to build the Royal Palace in Oatlands Park.
Chertsey, bridge over river Thames with man fishing, 1909
Photographic Survey and Record of Surrey no. 4361
Chertsey Bridge, 2007
Photograph: Richard Purkiss
Did You Know?
Chertsey Bridge is a Scheduled Monument and mentioned in Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
A market town formed around the Abbey. There is a 'T' junction at the heart of the town and there are numerous listed buildings in the streets leading from it. Gentle curves in the street facades are important to the local character, which varies from the narrow Guildford Street to the broad sweeping Windsor Street and the quieter enclave of Abbey Green.
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