Box Hill, The Summit 1906

Photo ref: 55713

More about this scene

The popularity of Box Hill, once called the White Hill from its chalk bluff and affording a splendid view across the Weald from its summit of just over 600ft, reached an apogee during the late Victorian and Edwardian era, when the railway and the bicycle brought it within easy reach of day trippers from London. Ascending the precipitous, winding track through the box woods from Burford Bridge on the River Mole below, on a cumbersome safety bicycle while clad in the heavy clothing of the day must have been hard work. No doubt those who accomplished the feat were glad of the refreshment booths in the background. Even in the 17th century, Daniel Defoe had been shocked at the behaviour of some ladies and gentlemen who visited the summit in carriages on Sundays, but all is perfectly decorous here, with some apparently making the journey by donkey (centre right).