What did Surrey look like 100 years ago? Amazing unseen photos

This collection of incredible unseen images of East Surrey date from the time of the First World War through to the late 1920s. They focus on Cheam and the surrounding areas such as Banstead, Reigate, Chipstead, Ewell, Wallington and Nonsuch Park. These incredible photos show a world very different to today with open downland, few trees, unmade roads and very few cars. Development of the area was just starting with the first new homes being built but much was unaltered.

[@billwellington4339]

A lot better than it does now...

[@edwardharrington678]

Know all the areas well. Another 100 years time and the whole of the UK will be a concrete jungle the way the population is growing.

[@derek68able]

Probably the population of UK 30 million, now more than double that and increasing, a better future, I think not.

[@ravenshireful]

Not all, but most has gone from a 1st world suburban dream to a 3rd world dump.

[@robertmorley9149]

Brilliant, love these views of old England. Thank you

[@chrisryan5339]

Interesting stuff thanks

[@buxvan]

Used to live in North Cheam, My grandad worked at the sewage farm on the Sutton bypass (where Tesco’s is now & had a company house there. Moved to ridge road at the junction of beeches road afterwards.
We had our wedding reception at Nonsuch manor in 1982.
Moved to West Sussex 20 years ago.
I miss my birthplace but am glad I’m out of it now. (Know what I mean!)
Lovely photos.

[@buxvan]

1992. Not 1982 !

[@ajmatthews7700]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing.

[@hordeofduck]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@roycampbell5605]

Used to walk my dog in nonsuch park .before henry built his hunting lodge there.he demolished the existing village of cuddington to do so.

[@robertbyrne3169]

It was all white and all decent 👌

[@stigg333]

Yea and now it's all dark and all crap!!!!