Woking

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Woking is rooted in the Saxon period. The town's name most likely originates from the name of the Saxon leader Wocca and means "Wocca's people." The first documented evidence of the settlement is found in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, where it is mentioned as Wochinges. At that time, it was a royal possession that included a mill, a church, and forest lands.

Key Factors in its Formation

The development of the area was determined by a combination of geographical location and royal influence:

• Geography and Water Resources: The original settlement (now known as Old Woking) emerged on the banks of the River Wey. This provided residents with water, fish, and the opportunity to use water meadows for agriculture.
• Political Status: The presence of Woking Palace played a crucial role. Originally a manor house, it evolved into a royal residence during the Tudor era. Henry VII and Henry VIII were frequent visitors, which gave the settlement a special status.
• Transport Arteries: In a later period, but before the advent of the railway, the construction of the Basingstoke Canal in the late 18th century became an important factor, improving trade links for the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

For centuries, Woking remained a predominantly agricultural community. The economy was built on farming and livestock, serving the needs of the local population and the royal court during monarchical visits.

The spiritual and cultural heart of the town was St Peter's Church in Old Woking, which has preserved elements of 11th-century Norman architecture. Life in the settlement was quiet and steady until the mid-19th century, when the construction of the railway shifted the centre of activity north, shaping the town's modern identity.

Key Dates in Woking's History

• 1086 — The first written mention of the settlement under the name Wochinges in the Domesday Book.
• 1272 — The first documented evidence of buildings on the site of the future Woking Palace.
• 1466 — Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of the future King Henry VII, settles at Woking Manor, turning it into a significant royal site.
• 1665 — Construction of the Market House in Old Woking, cementing its status as a local trading centre.
• 1838 — Opening of the railway station, which served as the primary catalyst for shifting the town centre and its rapid growth.
• 1885 — The first official cremation in UK history is performed at Woking Crematorium.
• 1889 — Construction of the Shah Jahan Mosque is completed, becoming the first purpose-built mosque in the country.
• 1895 — H.G. Wells moves to Woking, where he begins work on his famous novel "The War of the Worlds."
• 1937 — Reconstruction of the railway station is completed, giving it its recognisable Art Deco appearance.
• 1992 — Opening of The Peacocks shopping centre, marking the modern stage of urban infrastructure development.
• 2004 — Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the McLaren Technology Centre, the headquarters of the famous motor racing company.
• 2007 — Opening of The Lightbox gallery and museum, which has become the town's primary cultural space.

Stages of Woking's Evolution and Transformation

The history of Woking's journey from a small settlement to a modern economic hub in Surrey is closely linked to several key events that defined its appearance, culture, and specialisation.

• The Railway Revolution (from 1838)
  The construction of the London–Southampton line was the primary factor in the town's urban development. The station was built on heathland, away from the original settlement (Old Woking). This led to the centre of activity shifting north and the creation of "New Woking." The town began to develop as a classic commuter town—a convenient place to live for those working in London—ensuring a steady flow of residents and investment.
• The Creation of the London Necropolis (Mid-19th Century)
  The founding of Brookwood Cemetery turned Woking into a unique logistics hub. A dedicated railway branch line carried funeral processions from the capital. This not only solved the sanitary problems of Victorian London but also made Woking a pioneer in changing social norms: it was here, in 1885, that the first official crematorium in the UK began operating.
• Cultural Diversity and the Shah Jahan Mosque (1889)
  The construction of the first purpose-built mosque in Northern Europe laid the foundation for the town's multicultural character. This event made Woking an important centre for Britain's Muslim community long before the mass migration of the 20th century, enriching the region's cultural landscape.
• Literary Fame and "The War of the Worlds" (1890s)
  H.G. Wells' residency in the town and his choice of Woking (specifically Horsell Common) as the landing site for Martians in his novel "The War of the Worlds" created a powerful cultural brand. Today, this heritage is actively used in the town's tourism marketing, including the Martian Tripod sculpture in the town centre.
• The Rise of the Technology Cluster (from the 1990s)
  The establishment of the McLaren Group headquarters and production centre took the town's economy to a new level. From a residential suburb, Woking transformed into a global centre for high technology and automotive engineering, attracting world-class engineers and specialists.
• Vertical Urbanisation (21st Century)
  In recent decades, the town has undergone a massive architectural transformation. Regeneration projects in the centre, such as Victoria Square, have changed Woking's skyline with high-rise residential and office buildings. This has cemented the town's status as an important commercial hub capable of competing with other major cities in Southeast England.

Urban Evolution: Two Town Centres

The architectural character of Woking is unique in its duality, reflecting a sharp turn in the town's history. Historically, the settlement developed around what is now known as Old Woking, where the medieval layout and low-rise buildings have been preserved. However, with the arrival of the railway in 1838, the centre of gravity shifted north to the former heathlands. The new town took shape as a Victorian suburb, and in the 21st century, it underwent a radical transformation into a modern urban hub with high-rise developments.

Architectural Styles and Iconic Landmarks

In Woking, several distinct architectural layers can be traced, each corresponding to a specific stage of the town's growth.

• Norman and Gothic Styles (11th–15th centuries)
  The oldest buildings are concentrated in Old Woking. The primary example is St Peter's Church. Its oldest parts, including the north door, date back to the Norman period (early 12th century), while later additions were built in the Gothic style. Also from this era are the ruins of Woking Palace, which showcase Tudor-period brickwork.
• Victorian Eclecticism and Neo-Gothic (19th century)
  The town's rapid growth after the railway's arrival led to extensive construction using red brick. Notable examples include:
  • Christ Church (1889) — a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture, built to serve the growing population of the new town centre.
  • Residential Housing around the centre — rows of terraced houses and villas typical of London’s railway suburbs.
  • Shah Jahan Mosque (1889) — a unique building in the Orientalist style with a dome and minarets, providing a sharp contrast to the typical English architecture of that period.
• Art Deco and the Interwar Period (1920s–1930s)
  During the interwar years, the town's infrastructure was modernised. The railway station building (south entrance) and the former Electricity Board offices feature elements of understated Art Deco, with geometric forms and light-coloured facades.
• High-Tech and Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th–21st century)
  Woking is known for bold modern projects that have put it on the global architectural map:
  • McLaren Technology Centre — a high-tech masterpiece designed by the renowned Norman Foster’s firm. The building, shaped like a yin-yang symbol, is harmoniously integrated into a landscape featuring an artificial lake.
  • The Lightbox (2007) — a gallery and museum building designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the creators of the London Eye. The facade is clad in cedar and anodised aluminium, giving it a warm yet modern look.
  • Victoria Square — a complex of skyscrapers in the town centre that dominates the horizon, symbolising a new stage of vertical urbanisation.

Historical Figures and Literature

Woking has been home to many individuals whose names are forever etched in British history, from royalty to the classics of world literature.

• Lady Margaret Beaufort (1443–1509) — Matriarch of the Tudor Dynasty.
  The mother of King Henry VII and one of the key figures in the Wars of the Roses. She frequently resided at Woking Palace and contributed to its expansion, turning the manor into a favourite Tudor residence.
• H.G. Wells (1866–1946) — Science Fiction Writer and Social Critic.
  Although Wells lived in the town for only a short time (1895–1896), this period was incredibly productive. It was here, in his house on Maybury Road, that he wrote "The War of the Worlds," choosing the local Horsell Common as the site for the Martian landing.
• Dame Ethel Smyth (1858–1944) — Composer and Suffragette.
  A resident of the Hook Heath area, she became the first female composer to be granted a Damehood. Smyth was an active participant in the women's suffrage movement and wrote the famous "The March of the Women," which became the suffragette anthem.

Music, Culture, and the Modern Era

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the town gave the world outstanding musicians, TV stars, and businessmen who shaped the country's modern cultural code.

• Paul Weller (born 1958) — Rock Musician, "The Modfather".
  Leader of the legendary band The Jam, which was formed in Woking. His songs, including the famous "Town Called Malice," often reflect the life and atmosphere of English suburbs in the 1970s.
• Rick Parfitt (1948–2016) — Musician and Rhythm Guitarist for Status Quo.
  Born and raised in Woking, he became a British rock icon whose band holds the record for the most singles on the UK charts.
• Ron Dennis (born 1947) — Entrepreneur and Formula 1 Legend.
  Born in Woking, he played a decisive role in the town's development as a technological hub. As the head of McLaren, he initiated the construction of the famous technology centre designed by Norman Foster.
• Delia Smith (born 1941) — Cook and TV Presenter.
  A native of Woking who became the UK's most famous culinary author. Her books and television programmes taught generations of Britons how to cook, making her name a household word.
• Sean Lock (1963–2021) — Comedian and Actor.
  The popular stand-up comedian and television panel show regular was born in Woking. He was known for his unique, surreal sense of humour.