Pictures of Haslemere

About Haslemere

This is an attractive old town was granted a market charter by Richard II in 1394. Later Queen Elizabeth I confirmed the town a borough (a status which was lost on the introduction of the Reform Act of 1832), she further re-issued a new charter giving market rights, and the right to hold two annual fairs. Today, Haslemere continues to celebrate Elizabeth's charter of 1596 by holding a biennial Charter Fair in the High Street.

The fortunes of the area were secured in the 18th and 19th centuries from spinning, weaving and basket making. In the middle of the 19th century the town benefited from the advancement of the railways which brought newcomers who found it a pleasant place to live. Interestingly, by the end of the century Haslemere had its own artist's colony, painters were drawn to what was then a charming hamlet in a visually beautiful setting.

Haslemere has several literary associations, in 1871 George Elliot lived in a cottage at nearby Shottermill. It was here that she wrote much of her famous novel Middlemarch. The countryside fringing the town featured in the works of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle who resided at Undershaw, a lovely house which is now a hotel and restaurant. The town is also proud of its links with Sir Robert Hunter, one of the original founder members of the National Trust. Sir Robert lived in Haslemere from 1883 until his death in 1913, he was chairman of the trust for eighteen years.

There are several noted buildings in the town, of these the Old Town Hall which contains a copy of Queen Elizabeth's charter, dominates the far end of the bustling High Street. St. Bartholomew's church, is a handsome church building of 1871 and stands where a church has stood ever since the 14th century. The church is well worth seeing, amongst its treasures is a window dedicated to the poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, this depicts Sir Galahad at the chapel where he saw a vision of the Holy Grail, thus alluding to Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" written in 1869.

Haslemere offers visitors a multiple choice of things to do. An interesting museum housed in a lovely Georgian building, built above earlier foundations, offers the opportunity to explore through a series of exhibits the regions geological, social and natural history. For the very energetic there is swimming at Herons Fitness Centre, and places of interest include Shulbrede Priory, The Devil's Punch Bowl, Frensham Ponds and Hindhead Common, managed by the National Trust.

The town which features an attractive, wide High Street with small independent shops, is surrounded by several delightful villages including: Alfold, Chiddingfold, Cranleigh and Dunsfold. Other villages found in the tranquil countryside are - Whitley, Thursley and Grayswood.

Visitors wishing to stay will find a pleasing choice of hotel accommodation and plenty of inns and restaurants.