Woodmansterne
The Church was built in the 1870’s but its quite probable
that there was a church on the present site as early as the 9th
century. Certainly Woodmansterne was mentioned in the Domesday
Survey of 1086 under the name "Odemerestor", which derives from the
Anglo-Saxon "Ode" = (W)ode = Wood, "mere" = pond, and "tor" = high
ground. The names progressed through various spellings until the
popular version of Woodmansterne became the standard description in
about the 15th century. Until early in the 20th century the place
was simply a small sheep-farming village, largely by-passed by
travellers and staying an isolated community, unknown and
unnoticed
The mediaeval building was rebuilt in the 1870's and formally
re-dedicated in 1877. Much of the existing fabric was used again,
though the interior furniture was renewed. The parish boundaries
stretch from How Green in Chipstead to the upper part of Coulsdon
(the Mount area), around Oaks Park in Carshalton and almost into
Banstead. In 1847 the population was 147; in 1900, 500. By 1960 it
had grown to about 8,000 and the existing church became too small.
Accordingly the North Aisle and the new vestries were added in
196l.
The 8 bells and chimer were installed in 1958, replacing the bells
of 1661 which were recast in 1914.
Number 42 in the series is a simple off set cache, the micro is
close by.
A small plaque on a bird bath will give you the answer.
Ralph Bentley 18AB-19CD
The magnetic micro is at N 51.19. C D A
W00.10. ( A-C ) ( D-1 ) B
The cache has a log book only plus micro certificates and hand
made micro churches for the first few finders but no pen so please
bring one with you
If any body
would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask
that you could let me know first so I can keep track of the Church
numbers and names to avoid duplication
To view the church micro stats page, please click here