To set the scene, here are a few paragraphs from local resident and historian of the early 2oth century, Cloudesley Willis in a history published in 1931
"Ewell Marsh is the land east of Plough Rd and west of the great line of elms now being covered with roads and houses. There were also woodlands scattered among the plough lands."
“By the side of the barn [next to Fitznells] runs the road crossing the railway to Chamber Mead. It was called Northcroft Lane, and in the survey of 1408 it was noted as "the kings highway by which the tenants of the Lord Prior have to go to the common called Cherlemannes mede". In 1776 it was Charman Mead; and the Vestry books contain particulars of the road leading to it......the footpath to West Ewell passes through the Fitznells meadows; in May they are gorgeous with buttercups; there are many noble elms and oaks; on the brook are pentstocks for flooding the meadows. The fields of Ewell Court rise beyond; and through the little valley the Hogsmill River runs on its way to the Thames. It is the English scene, fresh and pastoral; may something of its beauty be preserved from buildings and concrete roads; and from litter that defiles the meadows and waters.”
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Cloudesley Willis
Posted - 30 Mar 2005 : 03:42:14 AM
