This collection of old photographs of "Epsom and Ewell" portrays some of the changes seen in these towns over the last one hundred years. Beginning as two spring-line villages, where the London clay gave way to the chalk Downs, they were first linked together by the Roman Road of Stane Street. Epsom's name has been traced as a Saxon corruption of 'Ebbesham' or Ebba's Farm. The area's long association with horse-racing began in 1779 when The Oaks was first run here and royal patronage also became a feature of this association. These twin influences shaped the development of the growing towns attracting, wealthy, and powerful figures to live here. Lord Rosebery, Prime Minister from 1894-5, was among these and his horse won the race during his year in office. The transition from market town to business centre is the period covered by the photographs in this book, and the fascinating pictorial record it provides will be enjoyed by all who know and love this area.