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The first mention of Leatherhead comes from the year 880 but archaeological evidence shows that the area was inhabited since earlier times. Signs of prehistoric and Celtic hill farming were found here. It is believed that pre-Christian gatherings took place at the Druid’s Grove in Norbury Park. The Roman road Stane Street was in the vicinity of the area. Leatherhead features several barrows near the A246 that support the existence of another Romano-British road here. This road was used in Saxon times as well. The medieval churches from this KT22 area all the way to Guildford were found nearby this road.
The name Leatherhead derives from the Brittonic “lēd-rïd” which translates to grey ford. The 9th-century record mentions the area as Leodridan. The 11th-century Domesday Book records it as Leret. The name changed to Lereda and Leddrede towards the end of the 12th century. In the 13th century, King Henry III allowed a weekly market and a yearly fair in this area. In the 14th century, Leatherhead was severely damaged by fire. The bridge over the River Mole made the town an important location during the Middle Ages. The Swan Hotel was a stop for horse-drawn coaches for more than 300 years. The Running Horse pub is the oldest building in Leatherhead. It dates from 1403. According to history, Queen Elizabeth I spent a night here when flooding prevented crossing over the River Mole.
Professional test cricketer Ted Bowley was born in Leatherhead in 1890. Actor Michael Caine owns a house with a built-in movie theater in the area. He is the patron of the Leatherhead Drama Festival, the most prestigious drama event in the UK. Donald Campbell, the holder of eight world speed records on land and water, lived in this KT22 area. Musician Roger Waters of Pink Floyd is another famous resident. The symbol of this South West London area is a swan that holds a sword in its beak.