Brockham

infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Brockham
map_type= Surrey
latitude= 51.233
longitude= -0.2859
population= 2,798 [ [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=800085&c=RH3+7LA&d=16&e=15&g=490718&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=0&s=1212163697125&enc=1&dsFamilyId=779 Census] ]
os_grid_reference= TQ197495
shire_district= Mole Valley
shire_county = Surrey
region= South East England
constituency_westminster= Mole Valley
post_town= BETCHWORTH
postcode_district = RH3
postcode_area= RH
dial_code= 01737

Brockham in a village in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, England. Originally named 'Brock Ham' (possibly a reference to the fact that it is home to badgers (known as "brocks"), it is approximately mi to km|1.5 east of Dorking and convert|4|mi|km west of Reigate. The village lies south of Box Hill, with the River Mole flowing west through the village.

On a spur of land to the north west of the village stands Betchworth Castle, originally built by Richard FitzGilbert on land granted to him by William the Conqueror soon after the Norman invasion in 1066, but later replaced by a medieval house which was probably built in the mid to late 14th century. Only a few ruins survive today.

Today’s church is relatively recent - it was commissioned in 1847 by Sir Henry Goulburn, who served as both Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary. [ [http://www.brockhamvillage.co.uk/about/about_history/about_parish.htm Brockham church history] ] Agriculture previously provided most of the employment for villagers, although further work was to be found in the nearby Brockham Hills in the late 19th century, when they were mined for chalk and hearthstone - an operation run by the Brockham Brick Company Limited until 1911. [ [http://www.brockhamvillage.co.uk/about/about_history/about_limeworks_reading.htm About Brockham Brick Company] ]

The village green is a focal point for the village. Once popular for its cricket matches - WG Grace is said to have played there - it is now better known as the site of a Guy Fawkes bonfire every year on the closest Saturday to November 5. About £20,000 is raised each year. [ [http://www.brockham.org/bonfire/bonfirehome.shtml Brockham bonfire] ]

Brockham School caters for children aged 4 to 11. [ [http://www.brockham.surrey.sch.uk/ Brockham School] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.brockham.org.uk/ Brockham Green home page]
* [http://www.brockhamvillage.co.uk/ Brockham Village home page]
* [http://www.molevalley.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1334 Mole Valley District Council]