
There appears to be two versions of the origin of the Folley
Version 1. Seven Beech trees were planted in 1760 by Thomas Harley of Hooley House
Only one original tree remains
He was later Lord Mayor of London
Version 2. Seven beech trees planted by Edward Bangham MP, in 1783, to show the highest point of the Downs, but only two of the original trees remain
One is but a stump having been killed by lightning many years ago
Whichever story is right it is a fact that the Corporation of London have planted five new trees to make up the numbers
In the middle of the circle of new beeches, a signpost points to Coulsdon in the north, Purley in the east, Hooley in the west, and Chaldon in the south
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