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The pleasant
residential town of Horley lies in south-east Surrey
between Redhill, Reigate and Gatwick Airport.
A few
miles south of the North Downs, the settlement was mainly
agricultural until the mid-19th century. In 1812 Horley's
large common was enclosed and in 1816 the London to Brighton
turnpike (now A23) was built across it.
A railway
line was constructed in 1841 and, with its fast rail links
to London, Horley developed as a commuter town.
Horley
also became a place to house the growing workforce of Gatwick
Aiport. Since 1950 Horley's populaton has doubled but the
busy town is still located within attractive rural surroundings.
To the
north of Horley stands
Ladyland Farm. This educational attraction (not open
to the public during term time) has lots of baby animals to
pet including calves, pigs, lambs, rabbits and kittens. At
the centre of the farm stands a beautiful timber-framed farmhouse
dating from the 16th century.
Horley
lies very close to West Sussex and nearby tourist attractions
here include High
Beeches Woodland and Water Gardens near Haywards Heath
(already done under gardens_HighBeeches) and Saint Hill Manor
in East Grinstead. This restored Georgian house, surrounded
by beautiful gardens, is owned by L Ron Hubbard, founder of
Scientology.
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