Epsom

Epsom is a town in northern Surrey. The town is known for its race course and the horse race held there. It is owned by the Jockey Club, it is one of few racecourses in the UK that maintains a fantastic relationship with Queen Elizabeth, who attends annually to watch The Derby in early June. The first recorded race held at Epsom Downs Racecourse was in 1661.  The Epsom Grandstand Association controlled racing on the course from the mid 19th century. 

The town also gives it name to epsom salts which are found in mineral water here. By the end of the Georgian period (early 1800s) Epsom was a spa town. After the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 its popularity increased, and visitors included Nell Gwyn and Samuel Pepys. The popularity of the spa declined after about 1725, but by then numerous large houses had been built by wealthy people who appreciated the nearness to London. Assembly rooms were built and still stand as the Assembly Rooms public house. Some remains of this are its water pump, wells and exhibits in the town's museum. A housing estate has been built upon the wells in the south-west of the town.


References

Category:Spa towns in the United Kingdom
Category:Towns in Surrey