Time to head south where we'll pass by the airfield used for the TV show, Top Gear, but we're on our way to Cranleigh to see St Nicholas church.  In the 1890s, the curate there was George Henry Cole Bartley whose father, Sir George B. was a Conservative MP and was responsible for the large museums in South Kensington being built; His grandad was Sir Henry Cole who built the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.

Picture by Frances Brown

And as we reach the outer Surrey suburbs of London, we come to Carshalton where Sir Walter Raleigh lived not far away where he grew England's first orange trees. And when he married Bess Throckmorton from near-by Beddington who was Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth 1st, the Queen was so jealous, she had them both thrown in the Tower of London.

Picture by pam quinton

Wow Paul, we lived very close to Carshalton for many years but I never knew about Sir Walter Raleigh's connection there.  "You live and learn"! 

Vince and Paul you have added some super pics, interesting information and inviting suggestions for places to visit to add to an all round Surrey experience.  Thank you both very much.  (Please feel free to add lots more)! And anyone else who can add history, information, suggestions too!