This legacy version of the site is not maintained.  An updated version of the Chobham description and history site can be found at www.chobham.info

Perhaps the best way of learning about Chobham today is to view it on foot. A very pleasant short walk may be taken around the village using the ancient footpaths, or when the paths are likely to be muddy, by strolling along the High Street. The map of the Conservation Area will help you find your way.

The walk starts at Cannon Corner: 

The Cannon commemorates the visit of Queen Victoria in 1853 to review the troops on Chobham Common. (Please see the page which describes the fascinating history of the Cannon.) The War Memorial stands in front of the delightful 16th century Cannon and Laurel Cottages.

From the Cannon follow the footpath bordering the public car park, following the stream which runs along the edge of the cricket field and to Station Road opposite the village recreation ground. The Remembrance Garden was created in memory of local men lost in the two world wars. The gates are a special feature and the horse chestnut trees on the perimeter (one planted for each soul lost) are a beautiful sight when in bloom.

Beside the Village Hall (1888) is a narrow path, again skirting the cricket field, leading to a kissing gate at the entrance to the churchyard - a tranquil area of Chobham, dominated by the church and offering views of some of the old buildings in the Conservation Area.

St. Lawrence Church dates from about 1080 and was mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086. The church was originally quite small - without the tower, half as long, and only as wide as the space between the two rows of columns (the nave). Around the middle of the 12th century the south wall was removed and the church was extended to form the south aisle. The very thick columns which replace the wall are of chalk. The original Norman windows can still be seen as 'niches' above the columns.

The present tower was added about 1400. The clock, which has four faces, was given by the Vicar, the Rev. Herbert Sumner Acworth, in 1900. The outside wooden porch is believed to have come from Chertsey Abbey following its suppression in 1537. The original Norman north wall was taken down and the north aisle added in 1866 to give more seating room. The aisle extensions under a sloping roof have resulted in the unusually low walls evident today. Originally St. Lawrence's would have had high side walls of noble proportions.

Make a point of seeing the 700 year old oak chest, the Norman arcade, the 16th century wooden font, the unusual 'elbow beams' in the roof of the south aisle, and listen to the very fine peal of eight bells, the oldest of which was cast by William Culverdon of London in 1528.

The churchyard was consecrated in 1216; before that, Chobham villagers had to carry their dead to Chertsey Abbey for a Christian burial.

The High Street contains many buildings of interest. There are two fine old public houses: the Sun (18 C.) and the even older White Hart (16 C.) - now bearing the Blubeckers Restaurant sign. The following may also catch the eye: the black-and-white cottage-style shops opposite (16 C.), Tarrystone (17 C.), the estate agents (17 C.) and the chemist shop (18 C.)

Beyond the churchyard, turn right down the High Street to reach Bagshot Road. After crossing the road take a short rest on Benhams Green to view the Milestone and read its inscriptions showing famous Chobham names. Go along Bagshot Road, turn right along the footpath towards the Mill Bourne and the race of the Town Mill (which was pulled down about 1960).

Follow the narrow winding path across the Mill Bourne and onwards until emerging by the Leat onto Windsor Road.

The Leat is an attractive waterway which originally served as an overflow for the watermill. The Spring display of daffodils on the grass bank bordering the Leat is a very attractive sight. The old Victorian lamps were installed by the Chobham Society in 1984. On a warm Summer's evening they provide romantic lighting for strollers along the Leat.

The circuit is completed by walking along the Causeway and crossing the road to the Cannon.

Your efforts may then be rewarded by visiting Saddlers Halt tea rooms and, if a fine day, enjoy your refreshments in the courtyard behind. Pyramid Cafe, in the High Street is excellent.  Quail's Restaurant, opposite Benhams Corner, has been recommended in restaurant guides.