The Parish of Thursley is situated in the Borough of Waverley, South West Surrey, north of the Hindhead Tunnel. Thursley parish is dissected with the village centre being just west of the A3 which runs from Portsmouth to London. Its name is believed to mean the “sacred grove of Thor” referring to the Norse God of Thunder, who was worshipped by the Anglo Saxons.

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The relatively small population of approximately 650 people (272 households), live in a comparatively large parish of roughly eight square miles. The properties are located in four distinct areas: Thursley Village, Bowlhead Green, Pitch Place, and Warren Park.

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Through the years the parish has seen various industries come and go. Woollen weaving took place during the 15th and 16th centuries, being replaced by iron smelting, which flourished in the 17th century. During the first half of the 19th century silk weaving took place; much of the raw silk was believed to have been smuggled from France. 

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The surrounding Commons, Thursley and Hankley, have also had a long relationship with the Military, being used extensively for training exercises and equipment trials during both World Wars and more recently training of Ukrainian troops.  Tweedsmuir Camp at Thursley, named after Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor General of Canada, known to many as John Buchan the famous author, held Canadian troops until the end of the Second World War.  Afterwards it became a Displaced Persons Camp for Polish nationals, many of whom chose to settle in the area. 

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The village sits on the northern edge of the National Trust’s Devil’s Punchbowl, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is centred around the village hall, St Michael’s and All Angels church, pub and cricket ground and there are a plethora of very handsome cottages and houses, not least Street House, previously the childhood home of Sir Edwin Lutyens, renowned architect and town planner. The surrounding land is mostly common or farm land and there has been limited change since the industrial revolution.

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Thursley has a strong community spirit with many active clubs and social events. It is home to a multigenerational population, with a friendly and caring heart.