Pictures of Brockham

About Brockham

This village is spread out from the picturesque banks of the delightful River Mole. It is said to have gained its name from the badgers or brocks living along its banks, but a more reasonable explanation is that the name comes from the word "brook". Whatever, the explanation, this is a pretty place with an excellent green where the legendry W.G.Grace once played cricket. The green is surrounded by an array of pretty cottages and there is a church of 1846, this is a grade 2 listed building in a lovely conservation area. A large field in the village was given in 1966 by an unknown donor to the National Trust, with the proviso that the field should only be used for recreation.

To the north west of the village lies Betchworth Castle on land granted by William the Conqueror to Richard Fitzgilbert soon after the Norman Invasion. A fortified medieval house of the 14th century later replaced the castle. The buildings have a colourful history and were occupied by several historic characters including the English moralist Abraham Tucker (1705-1744). Today, little is left save for walls and a few below ground fragments.

Nearby on the North Downs, there can still be seen the remains of Brockham Quarries, Hearthstone and chalk were dug here, there was also limeworks and Crabtree brickworks.

Brockham is a lively place, apart from cricket in the summer the green is used on November 5th for a huge bonfire to celebrate Guy Fawks night, this is a major village event with a torchlight procession and massive firework display. Another event is the annual Beer festival usually held during the summer. Visitors to the village can also enjoy a Victorian fair, flower show and school fetes.

The town of Dorking lies to the west of the village, this is the nearest large town.