Surrey Archaeological Collections
Surrey Archaeological Society, 2003. (updated 2023) https://doi.org/10.5284/1000221. How to cite using this DOI
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 379
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000221
- How to cite using this DOI
SURREY ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS
Erbridge and the Merstham denns in Horley
ROGER ELLABY
Document and map studies have led to what are thought to be the precise locations and boundaries of the Wealden denns of Merstham, later to become the tithing of Erbridge in Horley. Their identities allow a new translation for the appendix to the Merstham charter-bounds of AD947 and an interpretation that suggests enclosure of much of the Low Weald around Horley had long been complete when the charter was written. The enclosure, into discrete administered denns, is argued to have been largely the work of Chertsey Abbey to better control the resources of a communal pasture previously belonging to a 'federation' of settlements on the Downs and greensand to the north. Of the communal pasture that remained unenclosed (until the 19th century) the largest area became known as Thunderfield. Its relationship to the denns is explored and locations suggested for King Alfred's 'royal vill' and a pagan 'shrine' dedicated to Thunor.
