Banstead Downs Banstead Downs were popular as a venue for horse riding and hunting during the 17th and 18th Centuries, but the main use of this area throughout the centuries has been for grazing sheep. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to the rare Small Blue Butterfly, which may be spotted in the summer months. The four burial mounds that can be seen on the downs been identified as dating to Saxon times and are known as the Gally Hills because they were used as the site of a gallows in the 15 th Century. Links |
Listen to the audio clip to hear John Sweetman of the Banstead History Research Group talking about the 19th Century fight to save Banstead Downs. |