This neighbourhood stretches south from the town of Hersham to the historic, Reginald Blomfield-designed retirement village of Whiteley, and is located in the suburban London borough of Elmbridge. Although the neighbourhood is in London, it resides in the southern county of Surrey, meaning that unlike the inner city, it has numerous vast open green spaces such as Hersham Riverside Park on Thrupps Lane. North Hersham also has a lot of natural waterways due to its close proximity to the River Thames, which has created tributaries such as the River Mole. Hersham has a unique character and it’s 20th century-style architecture creates a strong sense of quaint, village-like antiquity that it is hard to find in inner city. These large gardened properties, good schools, and quiet suburban atmosphere has made this area popular with commuting families.

Hersham’s humble beginnings can be dated back to pre-historic Britain, thanks to numerous ancient artefacts being found in its surrounding area. Hersham was not mentioned in the 1086 Domesday book most likely because it formed a part of Walton-on-Thames, but the Anglo-Saxons are thought to be the area’s earliest settlers, and in 1174 it is believed that it was named after someone called Haeferick, consequently becoming Harferick’s Ham, leading to the name Hersham.

It was rural for many centuries until the mid-19th century, when the area became an ecclesiastical parish and St Peter’s Chapel was built. Hersham’s manufacturing industry was well established as they produced a variety of engineered products from Aircrafts, cars, aircraft engines, and motorcycles all produced by local ABC Motor Company from the early to mid-20th Century.

The mansion that sits on Burhill golf course was originally built in 1726 for Peter De La Porte, a wealthy London Thread Merchant. The property eventually was bought by Sir Edward Cecil Guinness, the owner of the world famous Irish stout, in 1888 from Samuel Bircham.

Due to the suburban nature of Hersham, public transport is severely lacking, particularly at night. Furthermore, Hersham train station has been criticised for its lack of cohesive planning and its chaotic nature.

Like many suburban satellites around London the rate of development in Hersham is slow. With numerous wealthy residents looking to preserve their pristine neighbourhood, and greenbelt protections enforced on the southern side of the neighbourhood, it can be hard to get planning permission to build here. Nonetheless, Hersham Green shopping centre, which is currently a Waitrose, could be turned into 200 new homes with parking and shops as developers prepare to submit a planning application later in 2023.