We will meet in the Farthing Downs car park at 10am for a guided tour of the Downs by the ranger, Thomas Oliver. Tom, who is the Conservation Ranger for City of London Corporation, will talk about the use of the Downs throughout history, including the Iron Age site and the many Saxon graves. The leisurely walk will take about 1.5 to 2 hours with the route following a flat grassy path on the top of the downs with a few gentle slopes. In summer this should not be slippery. The total length of the route is around 1-2km and we will finish at the car park where there are toilets.

The group will then drive to The Well House Inn in Mugswell, which has a historical classic pub setting, with original 15th century log fires. In the grounds is a Medieval well called St Margaret’s Well, which we can visit after lunch.

We will then take a short drive to visit St. Katharine’s church in Merstham. Some parts of the church date from the 12th century although it is predominantly 12th century. Parking is in Rockshaw Road almost opposite the church, about a 5-10 minute walk to the church. The first part of the road is double yellow lined, but parking is available further down Rockshaw Road. After visiting St Katharine’s, we will move on to St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s church at Chaldon to see the famous Medieval Doom painting. Parking is available in the lane outside the church. A member of the Friends of Chaldon church will give a talk about the history of the church and its painting.

To book your place, please email medforum@hotmail.co.uk.

Numbers for this visit will be restricted, so please book early.