Did you know that...
The name Fetcham comes from the Anglo-Saxon words Fecca which was a proper name and “ham” which means settlement or village. Fecca was most likely a person of local importance. This KT22 area was in the ancient hundred of Copthorne. Archaeological evidence such as tools and artifacts show that this area was inhabited since the Stone and Bronze Ages. There was once an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Fetcham. The first burials were found in 1803. The burial items include a girdle hanger, a knife, and a decorated bead. The Domesday Book mentions Fetcham as Feceham. It had three owners: King William the Conqueror, Thegn Oswald, and Richard who was associated with the Bishop of Bayeux.
There were 176 people living in this part of South London in the Middle Ages. This area was heavily affected by the 14th-century Black Plague. In the 19th century, Fetcham was still a low-populated area with less than 400 residents. By 1972, the population grew to 7,331. The village is a bit larger than the English non-city parish average. St Mary’s Church is one of the local landmarks. It is a Grade II listed construction from the 11th century or even earlier. The arches are believed to pre-date the 11th century. The church features Roman bricks.
Fetcham Park House is another important building. It dates early 18th century and it’s a Grade II listed structure. It might have been built on the site of the house mentioned in the Domesday Book. Architect William Talman designed this house that was built for Henry Vincent. Businessman and politician Arthur More bought the house in 1705 for £8,250. Under Moore’s ownership, the stairway murals and the Louis Laguerre ceiling paintings were added. Famous landscaper Capability Brown designed the gardens. Fetcham has one pub called The Bell. The area doesn’t have its own railway station. The closest ones can be found in Leatherhead and Bookham.
