Bronze-Age burial mounds dating from about 1500 BC are widespread in the area north of Woking, notably between West End, Longcross and Sunningdale. It is thought that during these prehistoric times the then widespread woodland and forest was cleared by farmers. Their simple tools could turn the sand-based soils, however once the protective canopy had been removed the sand-based soil lost its goodness and the area evolved into the heathland we see today. Only comparitively recently have Pines and Birch made inroads in places. The latter particularly enriches the soil over time enabling the likes of Oak to take hold and then colonise. Left unmanaged it is believed that eventually large tracts of heath would be lost and it is desirable that this potential scenario is avoided, a cause that attracts international attention. Brentmoor Common is managed in much this way.

  After the Romans withdrew from Britain (they barely touched the area) invading Saxon warrior-farmers, including a Chieftain named Cebbea, sailed their boats up the Thames to the area now known as Surrey ("Southern Area"). Re-locating the existing populace to poorer pastures (those they didn't kill or enslave) they introducing a whole new social culture and religion while establishing settlements including Cebbea's Ham ("Ham" means settlement). This was established on a hillock between the two river Bournes which nourished the soil for farming essential crops of the day, including oats, wheat and barley. Barely more than a collection of huts, very little evidence (if any) of this early incarnation of the village is seen today.

  First mentioned in writing in 673 AD the name evolved through the centuries through the likes of Cebeham (in the Domesday Book) and Chabeham and ultimately to Chobham. The manor of Chobham was granted to Chertsey Abbey, the latter being established after England re-converted to Roman Christianity in the 7th century AD (after the Angles had conquered the area) and this was how it stayed until Henry VIII dissolved the Monasteries in 1537. The Danish invaders in the 9th century aren't thought to have troubled Chobham much and the tribal nature of the population gave way to a form of Central Government especially after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

  Chobham of 1086 is detailed in the Domesday Book and being under Chertsey Abbey (the Abbot owned all the land of course) may have helped the area escape more serious demands of the Norman barons and the King. Even so, locals were forced by the Abbot to perform many duties and pay heavy taxes. St. Lawrence church is almost certainly mentioned - the vicar expected to receive a one-tenth tithe off the villagers right up to the 19th century.

  At various times over the five centuries after the Norman's' arrival Chobham lay within the Royal Forest of Windsor to which the 'forest law' applied, to protect the King's game. These strict laws, combined with the dense woods and Heath ensured the self-sufficient Chobham was fairly isolated. By the 14th century prosperity increased among the people whose trading largely superceded the feudal approach of their forebears. After Chertsey Abbey dissolved  with the rest of the Abbeys in 1537, Chobham passed to secular lords of the manor and eventually to the Onslow family. Then, it appears Chobham entered a period of relative prosperity and many of the older buildings to be seen today date from this time. Among those who benefited were highwaymen who prospered by preying on those travelling to and from the West Country. Vantage points like Staple Hill made it easy as horses were worked hard in an effort to reach the sanctuary of coaching inns before night fell.

  The 19th century saw rapid development of the railways, however the main lines either routed north to Sunningdale or south to Woking. A light railway was planned at Chobham, a booking office was actually built, and the road leading east to Mimbridge and Woking was (and still is) named Station Road. The railway never arrived and the booking office that never was is now the Castle Grove public house. As a result of connection to other parts of the country Woking (originally a smaller development than Chobham) grew rapidly while Chobham's' "isolated" location held back expansion to the point that today, the village is only medium-size with a population of about 5000. Many buildings are old and Chobham centre is a conservation centre where development is severely restricted. Although some buildings have altered over the years (a few substantially) a fair number remain as they were built. The more common Georgian architecture to be found is reflected in traditionally-styled buildings of more recent times. Indeed, the history of the area lives on in local road names and many fine surviving 16th century farmhouses are to be stumbled across for the curious to discover along local lanes.

  Today, local shops have given way to restaurants and antique shops, the price being the loss of stalwarts like the butchers and bakers, their trade in turn lost to supermarkets in neighbouring towns. The High Street boasts enough picturesque buildings to attract many people looking for Olde Worlde Charm. These same visitors are in their way now necessary to the economy and well-being of the village. There is much to enjoy and it has become known as an equestrian centre, riders and walkers alike roam Chobham and Horsell Commons using the many trackways, footpaths and bridleways. Two small rivers, the Bourne and the Mill Bourne still flow through the village to meet a mile to the east and are flanked by pleasant wide water meadows. In 1993 Chobham made the national headlines when these rivers flooded the village centre, a reflection of the subtle shift in the climate seen in recent times. For more info on an aspect of the West End area, click a link below.

westendcc@yahoo.com

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