In 851AD, Leith Hill was the scene of a fierce battle when the Anglo Saxons under Ethelwulf, father of Alfred the Great, defeated the Danes and saved England for Christianity. The battle was said to involve 15-20,000 men on each side and 'rivers of blood' flowed down the hillside. In 1882, in a field near Ockley Village, numerous ancient human bones were found, rumoured to be the remains of the battle's valiant dead.
Leith Hill Tower, a fortified folly, is the highest point in the south east of England - the top of the tower being 317 metres (1,029 ft) above sea level. The 19.5 metre (64 ft) tower, built in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place, dominates the hilltop and commands magnificent views across the North and South Downs: to the north it is possible to see St Paul's Cathedral and to the south there is a panorama over the Weald to the English Channel. Amazingly, on a clear day, 13 counties are visible.
When Richard Hull died in 1772, he was buried beneath the tower floor. Sadly the tower was soon looted and left to go to ruin. However, in 1984 the Trust refurbished the tower to provide a tea-room, information room and viewing room.
Leith Hill summit and tower were given to the National Trust in 1923 by Mr W J MacAndrew. Leith Hill Place and its estate were donated by composer Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1944. Since then the estate has grown to 349 hectares (861 acres), acquired through bequests from individuals, public subscription, grants and donations.
On the southern slopes of the hill is the Rhododendron Wood - a mass of colour in spring and early summer.
Rhododendron Wood was planted around 1900 to create an attractive vista from Leith Hill Place, by Caroline Wedgwood, wife of the owner, Josiah Wedgwood, grandson of the famous potter. Caroline was the eldest sister of Charles Darwin.
Facilities
Leith Hill Tower
Light refreshments and homemade cakes available from the servery. Telescope on top of battlements offers panoramic views of inner London including St.Pauls Cathedral and The Eye, whilst looking south over the Weald to the English Channel some 26 miles away. Information rooms describe geology, natural history and management of the area. Tower signposted from all car parks.
Education and information
Information boards and maps are in all car parks. Circular nature trails lead through the upper heathland areas of Coldharbour Common, and down onto the lower wooded slopes and farmland. Leaflet available form dispenser at Tower. Guided walks throughout year, see notice boards or contact warden for more details, tel 01306 712711.
©National Trust
Henman Basecamp
Situated in the wooded Tillingbourne valley of Leith Hill is Henman Basecamp. This chalet-style building has been converted, and now provides well-equipped accommodation for a range of groups. Conservation volunteers undertake a range of practical tasks on the North Downs properties, whilst the comfortable facilities and surrounding countryside make it an ideal venue for recreational and corporate groups. For further details and bookings, please contact the warden 01306 712711.
©National Trust
Etherley Farm/Camping
At the foot of Leith Hill, Etherley Farm produces fresh oven ready Geese, Turkeys, Ducks and Rabbits, which can be purchased from the farm shop, along with freshly laid free range eggs and homemade chutneys. The farm also offers basic camping facilities throughout the year. For more details please contact 01306 621423.
©National Trust
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