Horley near Gatwick.

There is evidence of settlement in the area of Horley for hundreds of years. The earliest map of the manor where Horley is now situated is dated 1602 and shows the area occupied by St Bartholomews Church and Ye Olde Six Bells. This map is now at the Guildhall in the City of London for safe keeping. Two turnpikes were introduced in 1814 to allow the operation of regular coach services from London to Brighton.

The laying of the railway from London to Brighton in 1841 made Horley the perfect spot for a country residence with an easy commute to London. Horley station was built and offered a service to London, Brighton and surrounding towns as it does today.

As Horley developed at the end of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century a number of large Victorian villas were built for well to do families. Springwood still has the bell panel used to summon the maids to serve their residents. Most of these large houses have now been converted to flats or guest houses and hotels serving Gatwick Airport’s passengers.

Gatwick Airport opened in 1958 as a commercial international airport and its closeness (only 1.7 miles), ensured Horley’s continuing prosperity. Happily, Horley is not in the flight path so is not disturbed by aircraft noise. The airport provides direct employment for many of Horley’s residents and its shops, pubs and restaurants remain prosperous due to the visitors in transit, many of them staying in the 18 guest houses and hotels found in the town.

Because the Guest Houses do not provide evening meals, Horley has a large number of restaurants and pubs supported by their residents. Ye Olde Six Bells is the most popular pub. It is a pretty sixteenth century pub in a picturesque setting beside the river Mole offering good food and cask ales. Listen for the wonderful chimes of the bell ringers practising in St Batholomew’s Church next door to the pub on Wednesday evenings.

Much of Horley is a Conservation Area which protects its charming character from any unsightly development or demolition. The summer, Horley in Bloom, competition is hotly contested by green fingered locals. The town supports a local home for sufferers of MS with charity events including St George’s Day celebrations and a summer hog roast.

Horley is home to the Archway Theatre which stages 10 productions a year in their unique venue under the arches of the railway bridge. The town also has a thriving football team, cricket club, rugby club, lawn tennis club, choir, history society and leisure centre.

Horley is ideally placed for transport links, internationally from Gatwick Airport, nationally via the M23 motorway 2 miles away and the mainline station at Horley with services to London taking 35 minutes. Yet the country side is on our door step with many historic houses and lovely gardens nearby such as Nymans Gardens and High Beeches.