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history
When the Saxons were settling in England, their preferred method was to divide the country into square parishes centred around the church, manor house and village, with cultivated fields around these, and common grazing ground on the outside. The settlements that had squeezed onto the belt of Thanet sand were too close together to allow for this arrangement, so the parishes in this area were made long and narrow. Consequently, Sutton's parish is about three miles long, and about a mile wide. Sutton is 10 miles south-west of Westminster in central London, and 4 miles south-west of Croydon.
location
Modern day Sutton has developed into a borough of intriguing contrasts. To the North it has many of the characteristics of inner London but its southerly borders open onto fields and the North Downs. The area consists of many different types of properties including 2/3 Bedroom Victorian cottages within the town centres of Sutton itself, Wallington and Carshalton. Three bedroom 1930s semi detached properties can also be found in Sutton, Carshalton, North Cheam and the Sutton common areas. Large detached houses dominate South Sutton and Cheam and there is also a mix of purpose built flats and conversion apartments across the area. Sutton's 180,000-strong community benefits from a vibrant economy and a quality of life that has attracted many major employers. The borough has a substantial population of commuters. Its prosperity is evident in booming shopping centres and in the district centres of Cheam, North Cheam, Worcester Park, Rose Hill, Carshalton and Wallington.
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travel in and around sutton
sutton railway station is the main station for Sutton in South London. Trains connect to Victoria, Central London every 10 minutes with a journey time of just 25 minutes. It is in Travelcard Zone 5.
transport Links Gatwick Airport to the south is a 30-minute drive and the M25 and M23 are easily accessible from the A217.
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leisure & places to visit
London city centre is only a short journey away from Sutton with its wealth of places to visit. However, locally accessible places to visit include:
Racing
Epsom Downs - home of the Derby, much copied but never bettered, the Derby at Epsom is famed throughout the world as one of racing’s greatest spectacles. First run in 1780, the race is known as the Blue Riband of the Turf and is probably the most coveted prize in the sport. Derby Day provides an unforgettable experience every year. Set high on the Downs, Epsom racecourse is regarded as the ultimate test of the three-year-old Thoroughbred. Runners require an abundance of speed, stamina and balance to cope with the unique undulations of the horseshoe-shaped course. This is the place where legends were made – the consummate skill of Lester Piggott’s unrivalled nine wins, the brilliant training feats of Vincent O’Brien, the elegance of great winners such as Sea-Bird, Nijinsky and Mill Reef.
Sandown Park - The Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown Park has always held a special place as the last big race of the National Hunt season - staged as part of a mixed jumps/Flat raceday which symbolises the transition from winter to summer. This popular and exciting raceday has an end-of-season party atmosphere. The big race, formerly known as the Whitbread Gold Cup and then the “attheraces” Gold Cup, offers a final opportunity for the top staying chasers to prove their courage and class over three miles and five furlongs around Sandown's famous course.
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wimbledon
The Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon have developed from the garden party atmosphere of the first meeting in 1877, witnessed by a few hundred spectators, to a highly professional tournament attracting an attendance of close to 500,000 people. Players from over 60 nations regularly compete in front of a crowd of millions worldwide, through the press, radio, Internet and television.
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Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace promises a magical journey back through 500 years of royal history. Discover the magnificent State Apartments of Henry VIII and William III, explore 60 acres of immaculate riverside gardens and lose yourself in the world-famous maze. Situated next to the River Thames there are delightful walks along the bank or take a short boat trip to Kingston or Richmond.
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Chessington World of Adventures
One of the biggest and most exciting theme parks in the south of England. Since its opening in 1989 the Adventure Park continues to grow, with new rides every year, a zoo and a new hotel for 2007. It has evolved into a major family attraction providing a great fun-filled day out
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Theatre
There are two main theatres, The Harry Secombe Theatre which has mainstream productions and the more cutting edge Charles Cryer Studio in Carshalton.
Shopping and Entertainment
Sutton town centre offers a pedestrian, tree-lined high street with two shopping centres. The St Nicholas Centre where you will be spoilt for choice with a combination of high street names such as Debenhams, Primark, JJB Sports, Sony Centre, Mothercare and HMV, all within a spacious, clean and pleasant environment. There is a good range of pubs, restaurants and cafes. There is also a multi screen cinema
Schools
Sutton has many schools offering both selective and comprehensive education. Sutton is investing in education having recently built primary and secondary schools which are placed high in the national league tables. For further information visit the following website:
http://www.sutton.gov.uk/
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