Conservation areas

Thorpe Conservation Area (designated on 24 February 1970, extended on 9 August 1984)

It is thought that Thorpe Village might be the successor to the settlements which have existed in the district since early prehistoric times, and numerous archaeological discoveries have been made, especially from the gravel pits and other developments around the village.

Thorpe Village has existed in some form since 672 AD when it was granted by King Frithuwold to endow Chertsey Abbey, and it remained dependent on the Abbey for many centuries (until the Dissolution).

The oldest existing building is the church of St. Mary, parts of which date from 12th century. Many buildings date from 16th century, and the village hall was originally a tythe barn.

The original Thorpe Conservation Area was designated on 24 February 1970 and extended in an easterly direction in 1984.

Many periods have contributed to the character of the conservation area. It is characterised by a mix of farmhouses, cottages and more substantial residences, and the roads tend to be narrow and appear even more so in places because of the characteristic high brick walls which line them.

This continuous line of high brick walls on both sides of Coldharbour Lane give a sense of enclosure opening up at Church Approach to reveal a small enclave of thatched and tiled cottages with the view closed at its southern end by the parish church.

It is considered that this character at the heart of the village should be preserved, drawing a clear distinction between the historic core and the subsequent modern development.

At the time of designation it was also considered that another feature of the village which should be preserved was the attractive manner in which mature trees overhung the walls and emphasised the sense of enclosure and perspective.

 Thorpe Conservation Area Map