The mysterious Silent Pool

The beautifully peaceful yet mysterious Silent Pool is just over a mile from Newlands Corner. Both are owned by the Albury Estate and managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Silent Pool and Sherbourne Pond is the only major spring source on the slope of the North Downs hence the crystal clear water. Poet Lord Tennyson was a regular visitor and crime writer Agatha Christie was said to have disappeared at Silent Pool after her car was discovered at Newlands Corner. She was found alive and well in Harrogate 11 days later, said to be suffering with amnesia. But the fate of Emma, a woodcutter’s daughter, continues to captivate and bemuse.

According to local folklore, Emma was bathing in the still water when she was interrupted by a salacious nobleman on a horse. She swam into deeper water to escape his advances. Her brother, working nearby, heard her cries for help but wasn’t a strong swimmer and despite his best efforts got into difficulty and they both drowned.

Legend has when the woodcutter discovered his children, he also found a feather in a nearby tree and a nobleman’s hat on the bank. It bore the crest of Prince John, the very man who went on to become King John I and rule England from 1199 to 1216. The mysterious Silent Pool is said to be haunted at midnight by the ghost of the woodcutter’s daughter. However, the legend might have originated from a book written by Martin Tupper called Stephen Langton or The Days Of King John (A Romance of the Silent Pool).

Regardless, Silent Pool is always worth a visit particularly if you’re at nearby Newlands Corner. Of course, we wouldn’t mention Silent Pool without referencing Silent Pool Distillers. Based on the Albury Estate (adjacent to Silent Pool), the company produces handcrafted, artisan spirits including Silent Pool Gin and WRY Vodka.

Do check out this post if you’re looking for more places to visit in and around the Guildford area.