Did you know that...
The name Ewell comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “æwell” which translates to spring or river source. Artifacts from the Bronze Age have been found in this KT19 area. The findings are now displayed at the British Museum. This area was part of the Copthorne hundred. The Domesday Book records Ewell as Etwelle. It belonged to William the Conqueror and it rendered £25 per year. In the 13th century, the Book of Fees records this name with the current spelling. In 2005, the borough of Ewell and Epsom was rated as the most desirable place to live by a TV program. It has lost the top position in the following years, but it still was among the top 10.
Ewell has several important buildings. Fitznell Manor is a grade II listed construction. It was raised in the 16th century. The manor was built by Sir John Iwarderby and it’s named after the Fitz-Neil family who owned the estate until the 14th century. The house is now a doctor’s surgery. Nonsuch Park is established on the estate that surrounded Nonsuch Palace. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII began building a one of a kind palace that was supposed to have no rival. Unfortunately, he died before the building was completed. Nonsuch Mansion is a Grade II listed 18th-century house within Nonsuch Park.
Singer Petula Clark was born in this part of South West London. Broadcaster James Whale was also born in Ewell. Footballer Ron “Chopper” Harris used to live here in the 1970s. Trevor Chamberlain is another famous footballer who was also a resident. Martial artist Michael Page lived here too. Playwright Michael Frayn spent his childhood at a house on Hillside Road. Artists William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais created some of their best works while living in the area. Railway stations Ewell West and Ewell East serve this zone.
