Editing Epsom (section)

==Notable buildings and landmarks==
===The Ashley Centre===
Construction of [[The Ashley Centre]] was proposed in the late 1970s, following concerns that the [[retail]] sector of the local economy was in decline.<ref name=Abdy_2001_pp92-93>{{harvnb|Abdy|2001|pp=92–93}}</ref> The [[shopping center|shopping centre]] was designed by [[RHWL|Humphrey Wood]] and the building makes extensive use of steel, glass and marble. A [[multistorey car park]] and an office block were included in the scheme, in addition to {{cvt|23000|m2|ft2}} of retail space.<ref>{{cite news |last=Williamson |first=Elizabeth |date=15 November 1983 |title=Scheming to keep the High Street's old charm |work=The Daily Telegraph |page=15 |issue=39941 |location=London}}</ref> The centre was opened by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] on 24 October 1984<ref name=Abdy_2001_pp92-93/> and is named after the adjacent Ashley Road.<ref name=Brooks_2019>{{cite web |url=https://eehe.org.uk/?p=29572 |title=Ashley Centre |last1=Brooks |first1=David |date=21 May 2019 |publisher=Epsom and Ewell History Explorer |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202202244/https://eehe.org.uk/?p=29572 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ashley House===
[[File:Ashley House, Epsom (geograph 1879145).jpg|thumb|right|Ashley House]]
Ashley House is named after Mary Ashley, a former resident who lived at the property until 1849.<ref name=Abdy_2001_p112>{{harvnb|Abdy|2001|p=112}}</ref> The three-storey, brick townhouse was constructed in the late 1760s and is protected by a Grade II* listing. It features an [[Adam style|Adam-style]] central doorcase with a composite [[Tower of the Winds]] and [[Ionic order|Ionic columns]].<ref>{{NHLE|num=1289636|desc=Ashley House|access-date=9 June 2021|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>

===Assembly Rooms===
The Assembly Rooms building was constructed in around 1692, when the spa was at the height of it popularity. It functioned as a meeting place and included a tavern, [[coffeehouse|coffee house]] and [[billiard room]]. A [[bowling green]] and a [[cockfight|cockpit]], in which fighting [[rooster|cocks]] were set against each other for [[blood sport|sport]], were also part of the same complex.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/education/educational-images/149-153-high-street-epsom-5103 |title=149-153 High Street, Epsom, Surrey |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=Historic England |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624191857/https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/education/educational-images/149-153-high-street-epsom-5103 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Wetherspoon>{{cite web |url=https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/england/surrey/the-assembly-rooms-epsom |title=The Assembly Rooms |author=<!--Not stated--> |year=2015 |publisher=J.D. Wetherspoon |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=19 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119114531/https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/england/surrey/the-assembly-rooms-epsom |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the decline of the spa in the first half of the 18th century, much of the building was converted to shops and to housing for private families.<ref name=Wetherspoon/> Since April 2002, the Assembly Rooms has operated as a [[public house]], owned by [[Wetherspoons]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cole |first=Jennifer |date=25 July 2018 |orig-date=11 February 2017 |title=How every Wetherspoon pub in Surrey got its name |url=https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/how-every-wetherspoon-pub-surrey-12581958 |work=Surrey Live |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225114411/https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/how-every-wetherspoon-pub-surrey-12581958 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Clock Tower===
The [[cornerstone|foundation stone]] for the Clock Tower was laid in November 1847, following the demolition of the watch house which had stood on the site since the 17th century.<ref name=EEHE_Clock_Tower>{{cite web |url=https://eehe.org.uk/?p=29760 |title=Epsom Clock Tower |last=Harte |first=Jeremy |date=21 May 2019 |publisher=Epsom & Ewell History Explorer |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522100814/https://eehe.org.uk/?p=29760 |url-status=live}}</ref> The {{convert|70|ft|m|abbr=off|adj=mid|-tall}}<ref name=EEHE_Clock_Tower/> tower, designed by James Butler and Henry Hodge,<ref name=Abdy_2001_p30>{{harvnb|Abdy|2001|p=30}}</ref> is constructed from red and grey brick with [[ashlar]] dressings.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1213296|desc=Clock Tower|access-date=24 June 2021|fewer-links=yes}}</ref> Initially four [[Cultural depictions of lions|lion sculptures]] made of [[Caen stone]] were positioned at each corner of the base, however by 1902 they had been replaced by electric lanterns, which were replaced, in 1920, by the current globe lights. In the same year, the base of the tower was extended to the east and west to provide toilet facilities.<ref name=EEHE_Clock_Tower/> Several public events and civic ceremonies have taken place in the area at the base of the tower, including the official granting of the foundation [[charter]] of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell in September 1937.<ref name="Abdy_2001_pp71-73"/> In March 2023, following many discussions, the clock tower received a full LED lighting upgrade allowing the tower to change colour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Epsom Clock Tower LED Upgrade |url=https://stlsevents.co.uk/about/case-studies/epsom-clock-tower-led-upgrade/ |website=STLS |access-date=5 April 2023}}</ref>

===Spread Eagle Walk===
[[File:Spring in Epsom (7126105551).jpg|thumb|Spread Eagle Walk]]
The Spread Eagle Walk shopping centre was constructed as a coaching inn in the late 17th century.<ref name=Berry_1992_p9>{{harvnb|Berry|1992|p=9}}</ref> The main hotel building has two storeys with an attic and basement. The external [[stucco]] finish and [[sash window]]s are later additions.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1028564|desc=The Spread Eagle Hotel and No. 89|access-date=24 June 2021|fewer-links=yes}}</ref> The distinctive black eagle sculptures above the two porticos are thought to date from the mid-late 19th century. The inn traded as a [[public house]] until around 1990, when it closed for renovation.<ref name=EEHE_Spread_Eagle>{{cite web |url=https://eehe.org.uk/?p=31227 |title=The Black Spread Eagle, High Street, Epsom |last=Bouchard |first=Brian |date=April 2017 |publisher=Epsom & Ewell History Explorer |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624191904/https://eehe.org.uk/?p=31227 |url-status=live}}</ref> The driveway into the former stables was converted into the main entrance to the shopping centre<ref name=Berry_1992_p15>{{harvnb|Berry|1992|p=15}}</ref> and in 1994 the main building was occupied by Lester Bowden outfitters,<ref name=EEHE_Spread_Eagle/> which had been founded by Arthur Bowden at start of the 20th century.<ref name=Berry_1992_p15/>

===Town Hall===
{{main|Epsom Town Hall}}
The [[Neo-Georgian style (Great Britain)|neo-Georgian]] Epsom Town Hall, designed by Hubert Moore Fairweather and William Alfred Pite, was opened in March 1934.<ref name=riba>{{cite web |url=https://www.architecture.com/image-library/ribapix/image-information/poster/epsom-town-hall-surrey-the-main-front/posterid/RIBA73695.html |title=Epsom Town Hall, Surrey: the main front |publisher=Royal Institute of British Architects |access-date=28 December 2020 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624131252/https://www.ribapix.com/epsom-town-hall-surrey-the-main-front_riba73695 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Opening of Epsom's new town hall |date= 17 March 1934 |work= Surrey Advertiser and County Times |volume= CXXX |issue= 9648 |page= 9}}</ref> The building has served as the headquarters of Epsom UDC, Epsom Borough Council and, since 1974, [[Epsom and Ewell Borough Council]]. The New Town Hall was opened in 1992 and is connected to the older building by covered walkways.<ref name=Harte_2005_pp111-112>{{harvnb|Harte|2005|pp=111–112}}</ref>

===War memorials===
[[File:Cross of Sacrifice in the CWGC section at Epsom Cemetery.jpg|thumb|Commonwealth War Graves Memorial, Epsom Cemetery]]
Epsom War Memorial at Epsom Cemetery was erected in 1921 to commemorate the 256 residents of Epsom and Ewell who had died in the First World War. The memorial consists of a [[Celtic cross]] in [[granite]] and the gates are dedicated to the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Battalions of the [[Royal Fusiliers]], who were billeted in Epsom before the opening of the Woodcote Park camp.<ref name=NHLE_war_memorial>{{NHLE|num=1406252|desc=Epsom War Memorial|access-date=22 June 2021|fewer-links=yes}}</ref><ref name=EEBC_war_memorial>{{cite web |url=https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/environmental-services/war-memorials |title=War Memorials |last=Price |first=Allen |date=15 July 2016 |publisher=Epsom & Ewell Borough Council |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526153031/https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/environmental-services/war-memorials |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the end of the Second World War, an additional inscription was added to commemorate those who had died between 1939 and 1945.<ref name=NHLE_war_memorial/>

The Commonwealth War Graves Memorial was erected in Epsom Cemetery in 1925. It consists of a cross, behind which is a screen wall on which names of 148 [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] soldiers are inscribed.<ref name=EEBC_war_memorial/> The majority of those commemorated died in the hospitals of the Epsom Cluster.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/100790 |title=CWGC: Epsom Cemetery |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 August 2013 |publisher=War Memorials Online |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624191817/https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/100790 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Woodcote Park===
[[File:WoodcotePark_1816_Hassell.jpg|thumb|''Woodcote Park'' ({{circa|1816}}) engraving by [[John Hassell]]]]
[[Woodcote Park]] was created as a hunting park in the mid-12th century by the abbot of Chertsey Abbey. Following the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] in the mid-16th century, the park was briefly held by [[Nicholas Carew (courtier)|Sir Nicholas Carew]], before being annexed to the [[English feudal barony|Honour]] of [[Hampton Court Palace|Hampton Court]].<ref name=EEHE_Woodcote>{{cite web |url=https://eehe.org.uk/?p=29903 |title=Woodcote Park |last=Bouchard |first=B |year=2012 |publisher=Epsom and Ewell History Explorer |access-date=24 September 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102102812/https://eehe.org.uk/?p=29903 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the mid-17th century, the land was inherited by Elizabeth Mynne, wife of Richard Evelyn, for whom the first mansion house was constructed. The building included decorative features by the sculptor, [[Grinling Gibbons]], and a ceiling by the painter, [[Antonio Verrio]].<ref name=Abdy_2001_pp104-106>{{harvnb|Abdy|2001|pp=104–106}}</ref> In 1715, the estate was inherited by [[Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore]], who commissioned [[Isaac Ware]] to rebuild the mansion in the French [[Rococo Revival]] style. Some of the features of the original house were reused, including the Verrio ceiling.<ref name=Abdy_2001_pp104-106/> Shortly before his death, Calvert engaged [[John Vardy]] to design a [[Palladian architecture|Palladian]] stone frontage.<ref name=EEHE_Woodcote/>

Following long periods of ownership by the Tessier and Brooks families during the 19th century,<ref name=Abdy_2001_pp104-106/> the [[Royal Automobile Club]] (R.A.C.) purchased Woodcote Park in 1913.<ref name=Berry_1992_p83>{{harvnb|Berry|1992|p=83}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=<!--Not stated--> |first=<!--Not stated--> |date=21 March 1913 |title=Golf Club Company |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |issue=18069 |page=3}}</ref> Many of the historic interiors were not required by the R.A.C. and were removed<ref name=EEHE_Woodcote/> and sold at auction. In 1927, wood [[panelling]] and other decorations in the style of [[Thomas Chippendale]], from one of the [[drawing room]]s, were installed in the [[Museum of Fine Arts, Boston|Museum of Fine Arts at Boston, Massachusetts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collections.mfa.org/objects/326396 |title=Paneled Drawing Room from Woodcote Park |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=Museum of Fine Arts Boston |access-date=22 June 2021 |archive-date=22 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622160255/https://collections.mfa.org/objects/326396 |url-status=live}}</ref> The mansion was destroyed by fire in August 1934,<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Epsom R.A.C. Burnt Out |date=3 August 1934 |page=3 |issue=46823}}</ref> but within two years had been rebuilt with an identical exterior appearance.<ref name=EEHE_Woodcote/> Today the {{convert|350|acre|ha|adj=on}} site features two 18-hole [[golf course]]s, sports and spa facilities, as well as restaurants and guest accommodation. The club also houses a fleet of heritage [[motor vehicle]]s, owned by the R.A.C.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/woodcote-park/ |title=Woodcote Park |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=4 March 2021 |publisher=Royal Automobile Club |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=2 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502100447/https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/woodcote-park/ |url-status=live}}</ref>