Prince Hill

Hill, Mountain in Surrey Waverley

England

Prince Hill

Hurtwood Millennium Pinetum Pinetum on Holmbury Hill, planted by the Friends of the Hurtwood to celebrate the Millennium with over 30 species. — Hurtwood Millennium Pinetum Credit: Ian Capper

Prince Hill is a prominent hill located in Surrey, England. It stands at an elevation of approximately 180 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the area. Situated near the village of Woldingham, Prince Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the North Downs and the Weald.

The hill is characterized by its steep slopes and is covered in a variety of vegetation, including grasslands, woodlands, and patches of heathland. The diverse flora and fauna found on Prince Hill make it an important site for biodiversity conservation in the region.

Prince Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It provides numerous walking and hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and enjoy the stunning vistas. The hill is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts a wide range of bird species, including buzzards, kestrels, and owls.

Historically, Prince Hill has played a significant role in the region. It is believed to have been an ancient meeting place for local communities and has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The hill's name is thought to have originated from its association with royalty, possibly referring to a visit by Prince Edward, the Black Prince, in the 14th century.

Overall, Prince Hill in Surrey offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and appreciate the stunning landscapes that this area of England has to offer.

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Prince Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.161162/-0.42582363 or Grid Reference TQ1041. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hurtwood Millennium Pinetum

Pinetum on Holmbury Hill, planted by the Friends of the Hurtwood to celebrate the Millennium with over 30 species.

Ian Capper

Near Coverwood Farm

Fields near Coverwood Farm.

Ian Capper

South from near Holmbury Hill

The view south from near Holmbury Hill.

Ian Capper

Beech Cottage garden

The garden of Beech Cottage on the slope of Holmbury Hill, with extensive views to the south.

Ian Capper

Near Holmbury Hill

Path through west of the summit of Holmbury Hill.

Ian Capper

Larkfield Pond

A very well kept looking pond in Ewhurst

Chris Thomas-Atkin

Approaching Ewhurst

On the public footpath from Slythehurst nearing the edge of Ewhurst.

Chris Thomas-Atkin

At Woolpit Farm

The farm shares a name with the vast mansion Link that now houses the Duke of Kent School. It was raining at the time I took this photo, but the mud and gravel on the road are evidence of the hours of heavy rain in the previous few days.

Stefan Czapski

Barn at Woolpit Farm

Everything is soggy after a spell of rainy days.

Stefan Czapski

View south-east from Woolpit Farm, in rain

The day had started almost cloudless, but turned cloudy in the early afternoon. This photo was taken at about 5pm, with heavy showers sweeping across the low Weald. Woolpit Farm stands close to the 160m contour, on the slopes of the Hurtwood.

Stefan Czapski

Old barn at Ewhurst

To be found a short distance to the east of Ewhurst church. Rather oddly, it stands in the grounds of the Old Rectory (now a care home), with no other farm buildings nearby. Much of the surrounding area is now residential - 20th century development, for the most part. I'd guess that (with such huge doors) this was once a threshing barn. The framing seems very regular and symmetrical - apparently all of one build. I was going to suggest a Victorian date, but have since found a listing: Link

My guess would be that most of what can be seen externally dates from the 20th-century restoration.

Stefan Czapski

Wealden farmland north of Ewhurst

With the slopes of Holmbury Hill rising in the distance. The tall trees are ashes - and very typical of this area.

Stefan Czapski

Ewhurst church from the north-east

Stefan Czapski

Grave-board under a yew tree, Ewhurst churchyard

Wooden grave-boards are not uncommon in Surrey, and I've seen them elsewhere in the Home Counties (for instance, at Baldock). But more often than not what you find are heavily restored boards - or frank replacements (as at Mickleham). I hadn't explored this churchyard before and it came as a surprise to find a number of 'original' unrestored boards - albeit in various stages of decrepitude. The inscriptions they once carried had weathered away without trace - as they would do, inevitably, if not repainted every few years. This one, under its yew tree, was one of the more complete examples - sufficiently complete to give a fair idea as to original design and construction. I can't claim to know anything of the history of grave-boards, but here in the Weald where timber was abundant (and local stone scarce) their use could stretch back many centuries, poorly documented. The lack of suitable local stone means that cast-iron grave-markers, too, are fairly common in Surrey and Sussex.

Stefan Czapski

18th-century headstone, Ewhurst churchyard: David Tidy, yeoman

A good number of 18th-century headstones have survived in this churchyard. This one, dated 1762, stands with other old stones in the south-eastern part of the yard. To my eye this stone is an unusually fine piece of work. The design is restrained - no mourning angels,no trumpets, no skulls or cross-bones (common in the mid-18th century) - it makes its impact by the use of finely executed lettering alone. The inscription reads: IN MEMORY of DAVID TIDY Late of this Parish Yeoman who departed this Life August the 27th 1762 in the 53d Year of his Age There is no riot of lettering styles (as became the norm 50 years later): only the words 'Year' and 'Age' are given fancy copper-plate treatment.

Stefan Czapski