Chertsey

Chertsey is a market town and civil parish in the Borough of Runnymede, Surrey, England. It lies on the south bank of the River Thames, west of London. Historically, Chertsey was a significant ecclesiastical center, particularly known for its Benedictine abbey. The abbey, founded in the 7th century, was one of the wealthiest and most important in England during the medieval period, though little of it remains today.

The town grew around the abbey and its associated settlement. By the 13th century, it had developed into a thriving market town. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century further boosted its growth, connecting it more readily to London and facilitating its development as a commuter town.

Today, Chertsey retains a mixture of historical and modern elements. Its town center features a market square, various shops, and public services. Nearby attractions include the River Thames, offering opportunities for riverside walks and recreation, and the expansive Savill Garden, part of Windsor Great Park, just a short distance away. Chertsey also serves as a transport hub, with the M25 motorway passing close by and Chertsey railway station providing services to London Waterloo and other destinations. The town is also home to St Peter's Hospital, a major healthcare facility.