A short history of Banstead
This section provides information about the history of the town of Banstead.
The earliest recorded mention of a place within the Borough is that of Banstead in an Anglo Saxon charter of King Edgar's time dated AD967, a century before the Domesday Survey of 1086.
Banstead gained a reputation as a health resort in the 17th century, and became famous for its 'wholesome air'.
In that survey Banstead (referred to as Benestede) had a Manor with two ploughs, 28 villeins and 15 cottars (people with a small cottage but no land) with 15 ploughs.
There was also reference to a church and a mill and the whole manor was valued at £8.
The town's name appears to have been derived from the Anglo Saxon words bene, meaning bean, and stede, meaning place.
Farming
It was certainly a farming area, and later became well known nationally for its high quality sheep wool.
The manor was owned by landed gentry, then the church, before it fell into the hands of the Crown in the 13th century and Edward I visited more than once.
Henry VIII made Banstead part of Catherine of Aragon's dowry but took it away again and gave it to a court favourite, Sir Nicholas Carew.
Carew himself then fell out of favour and was beheaded for treason, but Banstead stayed in his family until the 18th century.
Sport of kings
Banstead Downs, which for many centuries meant all the open land stretching from Epsom to Croydon, became well known for horse racing in the 17th century and were honoured by another Royal visit on 20th November 1683 when the King and Duke of York attended a race meeting close to present day Banstead.
The town also gained a reputation as a health resort during that era, becoming famous for its 'wholesome air'. London physicians even took to recommending a visit to Banstead to their ailing patients.
Banstead remained a small village until the 19th century when the improved roads and the building of the railways led to its growth.
'Village feel'
Despite this however, Banstead still retains a village feel and has a number of buildings of historical interest, including the parish church with its sturdy tower and medieval spire.
Built in the 12th and 13th centuries this interesting building was restored in 1861 by the noted church architect Street.
The Old Well was a public well used by the people in the village until the arrival of pumped water. The 18th century wellhead cover which still houses the elaborate winding gear is a listed building.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
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Reigate
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01737 276000
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