Chertsey

About

The historic town of Chertsey dates back to 666AD when Erkenwald who became the Bishop of London established an Abbey with a water mill on a tributary that loops back into the Thames, now named the Abbey River. Every year the Abbey River is blessed in January by the monks of the brotherhood of Saint Edward, Brookwood.

Chertsey is mentioned in Oliver Twist as the scene of Oliver's burglary. The Victorian window in the picture of the burglary in the book is believed to modelled on the window in Pyrcroft House, Chertsey and is now in the Charles Dickens Museum and known as 'Oliver's Window'. Dickens novel ‘Our Mutual Friend’ based on lives around the Thames includes Penton Hook Lock in a number of scenes in the book. Penton Hook Marina is just a mile from Chertsey

Things to do In & Around Chertsey

• Hire a boat on the River Thames at Chertsey Meads Marine Boat Hire
• Thorpe Park is a major attraction in the south east of England, is just 2.5 miles away.
• Enjoy a walk up the wooded landscape of St Ann's Hill and its nature trail.
• Discover the local history at Chertsey Museum (link to entry) including Chertsey Abbey, local clocks and the Olive Matthews Collection of dress and textiles
• Explore Chertsey Meads, a riverside meadow important for wild flowers on the River Thames. It is a local nature reserve with formal play facilities.
• Visit Great Cockrow Railway, a 7¼” gauge railway with steam locomotives and two routes of about 1 ¼ miles in length and go through the tunnel. Buy your tickets at the Ticket Office and All aboard!
• Have a go at water skiing and water boarding at JB Ski and its 3 lakes.

The Borough of Runnymede includes the towns of Egham and Chertsey. Take a look at events, exhibitions and activities happening in Runnymede’s River Celebrations.