Surrey is unique in the UK for being ruled from outside its official county boundary. County Hall in Kingston has been the seat of power since 1895, but when Kingston became a London borough in 1965, Surrey moved its boundaries leaving its grandiose Victorian HQ on the wrong side of the border. And it has stayed there ever since.
Now all is about to change with the new leader of the council Tim Oliver pledging to put the powerhouse back where it belongs. He says that “For too long the emotional connection to a community has been taken for granted. For 50 years we have not been close enough to the residents we serve, and we all represent."
But it is not the first time Surrey has been left out in the cold. Back in the 18th century, the county seat was in Newington, a village between Waterloo and Elephant & Castle, despite becoming part of the County of London in 1793, where it stayed for the next 100 years.
The task of finding a suitable new home has been given to Redhill councillor Natalie Bramhall.
We thought we would give her a hand with our favourite hot spots for a Surrey seat of power:
1. Sutton Place
3 miles north-east of Guildford in Surrey, is a Grade I listed Tudor that was once the home of American J. Paul Getty, the world's richest private citizen, who remarkably ruled his massive global empire from the house.
2. Mount Browne
2 miles the other side of Guildford, on the road to Godalming, Mount Browne has been home to Surrey Police since 1949. The force is planning its own move in the next five years leaving an HQ building at the heart of the county ripe for another large organisation.
3. The Jurors
12 bronze chairs in the verdant pastures of Runnymede, commissioned by Surrey County Council to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carter which sowed the seeds for our justice system and led to future generations of fair government. But while probably the most appropriate location, we are not sure there would be enough seats for all our councillors.
4. Debenhams Guildford
Only because it could possibly be the ugliest building in the county and a fitting home for plutocrats who allow such buildings to exist!
5. Nonsuch Palace in the Surrey district of Epsom & Ewell
It was built by one of England’s most ferocious rulers, Henry Vlll. Sadly not there now and doubtful even county councillors would manage to push through planning permission to get it rebuilt.
6. Leith Hill Tower
On the principle that our leaders should rule from a high - the top spot is surely Leith Hill, the highest point in the county.
Where do you think it should be moved to? Do you have any suggestions? Share with us in the comments below...
