Secret Dorking

Dorking has long been a popular market town in the Surrey Hills. Lying on a number of major routes, in the 18th century became an important stopping place for stage coaches between London and the South Coast. Dorking’s proximity to London also attracted wealthy residents who built large estates around the town, a number of which remain today. The streets of Dorking were home not only to its market but also its Shrovetide football game until the early 20th century, and earlier disorder in the Swing Riots of 1830 and beneath the streets there is an extensive cave system. Important roles were played in the town by the old workhouse, one of its residents being a Victoria Cross holder, the community hospital and its three police stations, including investigating the foiled assassination of Lady Beaverbrook. The First World War in Dorking brought an influx of refugees from London’s East End and in the 1930s Oswald Moseley tried to make the town a centre of Blackshirt activity. Accounts of conscientious objectors are included, the time the RAF nearly dropped an atomic bomb on the town and Dorking’s present-day role in a number of film and small screen favourites.With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Dorking will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Surrey.