Did you know that...
Banstead SM7 was featured two times in the works of science fiction writer H.G. Wells. It’s a location in The Time Machine and there’s a mention of it in The War of the Worlds. Famous residents include Tony Award winning actor Andrew Garfield, Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams, footballer Jonathan Greening, RAF commander Arthur Tedder, and Joseph Marcell known for his roles in EastEnders and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
When in Banstead SM7, one must not miss visiting landmarks such as the old well and the Nork Park. Nature lovers will appreciate Banstead Downs. The rare small blue butterfly was sighted here. This South West London site of special scientific interest features Saxon burial mounds and pottery from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman Age. The burial mounds are located on the Gally Hills. Supposedly, this was the site of a gallows or the burial place of gallows victims. In the 11th century, Banstead Downs belonged to Odo of Bayeux. In the 15th century, wool of local provenience was considered to be of high quality. A petition to the House of Commons attempts to regulate the minimum price for a sack of Banstead Downs wool.
The Wool Pack inn takes the name of the historic Banstead trade. The inn dates from the 17th century. This SM7 area was a popular place for sports since the old days. Horse races, wrestling, and hunting shows attracted large crowds. The area had no water so refreshments were brought from Sutton. At least four kings visited the local Royal Hare Warrens. The first mention of races comes from 1625. There was a footrace in 1663 and a prize-fight in 1669. Evidence shows that the Duke of Monmouth raced as a jockey in a 1678 horse race. The Grub-Street Journal reports an attempted robbery in 1731 and a robbery four years later.
