160 CUDWORTH, NEWDIGATE 



The Cudworth estate was bought in 1902. It 

 lies half a mile from the village of Newdigate, in 

 Surrey, two and a half miles from Holmwood 

 Station, six miles from Dorking, and eight miles 

 from Redhill. It comprised 367 acres, with a 

 farm-house and buildings. Most of the land was 

 under grass, about one-quarter being arable. It is 

 for the most part strong clay land. 



The estate was purchased for about 10 an acre, 

 and advertised for sale in areas of from 3 to 25 acres, 

 at a price of from 25 to 30 an acre. The terms 

 of sale were 10 per cent, of the cost price, the 

 balance to be paid in half-yearly instalments, 

 extending over ten years, with interest at 5 per 

 cent. The company undertook to put up houses 

 for purchasers on the same terms, except for the 

 deposit, which was to be 25 per cent. 



Most of the land was sold during the first two 

 years. The company paid a dividend of 4 per 

 cent, the first year, but owing to the initial cost of 

 adaptation, etc., which falls heaviest at first, paid 

 nothing the second year. At the present time there 

 are twenty-nine holdings, varying from 3 to 25 acres, 

 the average size being about 10 acres. The pur- 

 chasers are for the most part town men with a little 

 capital. Some of them have built houses and live 

 on their land, cultivating it for part of a living ; 

 others are carrying on business in London, and 

 come down two or three days a week. This type 

 of holder goes in chiefly for market-garden produce 

 and poultry. Two only appear to be working their 



