Betchworth

Coordinates: 51°13′59″N 0°15′58″W / 51.233°N 0.266°W / 51.233; -0.266

Betchworth is a village and civil parish in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, England. The village centre is on the north bank of the River Mole and south of the A25 road almost 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Dorking and 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Reigate. London is 19.5 miles (31.4 km) north of the village. Service sector occupations dominate Betchworth's economy – its station and road links make it a part of the London commuter belt – combined with crop agriculture and services for a relatively large retired proportion of the population. A former lime quarry, rebuilt manor house and Grade I-listed church are within its boundaries.

History

Etymology

State records show the name as Becesworde, (11th century), Beceswrde, (12th century), Bechesworth, (13th century).

Pre Roman settlement

Bronze Age artefacts have been found at Betchworth only since 1944. No Roman villas, farms or camps have been found.

Dark and Middle Ages