Caterham is divided, by virtue of its geography, into Caterham on the Hill and Caterham Valley. The earlier settlement of Caterham-on-the-Hill developed in the High Street area, St Lawrence's Church probably dating from the 12th century.
It now has a large residential community served by shops and services in the High Street and the Raglan Precinct. Two large establishments, St Lawrence's Hospital and Caterham Barracks, dominated the area until recently when both closed.
The former hospital site has been developed for housing and the Barracks was sold to Linden Homes by the Ministry of Defence in the late 1990s. Part of the Barracks is a Conservation Area and the site is being developed as an 'urban village' to provide a mixture of uses including housing, employment and retail in both new and converted buildings.
Caterham Valley developed during the mid to late 19th century following the opening of the branch railway line from Purley in 1856. It became a popular residential area, with Harestone Valley being developed for large houses in a wooded setting, a character which is still maintained through specific planning policies.
The town centre has many shops and services including chain stores, individual and family run businesses. There are two food supermarkets and the Church Walk Shopping Precinct, which opened in 1990.
Caterham has a variety of sports facilities, including tennis and badminton at Queens Park Pavilion and the swimming pool, sports hall, gym and health & fitness studio at de Stafford Sports Centre. The de Stafford College of Arts & Technology is located in Burntwood Lane.
The village of Chaldon is situated to the west of Caterham-on-the-Hill and is apparently referred to as early as 675 AD. Until the early 20th century it comprised just six farms and St Peter & St Paul Church, but has since grown into a popular residential area. The church is noted for its early medieval wallpainting which covers the whole surface of the west wall. It depicts in great detail a judgement scene and was discovered in 1869 beneath whitewash.
