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Redhill
lies at the foot of the North Downs, in East Surrey,was ,
until the early 19th century a water-logged wasteland, a few
miles east of the London to Brighton road.
The town
came into being after the construction of the road linking
Gatton Point to the London to Brighton road in 1818.
In the
1840's two railway lines were constructed through the area
linking London to Brighton and London to Dover. These railway
lines were originally served by two separate stations but
in 1845 the two stations were merged. The area around the
new station, with its close proximity to London, soon became
popular with commuters.
Originally
called Warwick Town, the area became known as Redhill after
the post office moved here from Red Hill Common in 1856.
Redhill
thrived in the Victorian period with many new churches and
a Market Hall built in the 1860's.
Much
of the town was renewed in the late-20th century, with traffic
diverted to the outside and a pedestrianised area and shopping
mall created at its centre. However, the rapid growth of
the town since the 1960s has meant that it has lost its Victorian
charm.
Lying
between the M23 and M25 and on a major railway junction, Redhill
has the advantage of excellent transport communications and
remains an important commuter town.
A highlight
of Redhill is The
Harlequin, a versatile entertainment complex with a theatre,
cinema and conference centre. Following recent retail competition
from adjacent larger towns, Redhill is being rejuvinated to
attract more customers.
Redhill
has a good High Street and the modern 'Belfry' shopping centre
boasts a wide variety of shops.
Redhill
is surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Downs.
Around
Redhill are important deposits of Fuller's Earth, once used
in textiles and now used for clarifying petroleum. Many of
the old flooded quarries are good for bird-watching.
At Outwood
Common near Redhill stands the picturesque Outwood Windmil.sited
in National Trust common land.
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Redhill
