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The camp became a great tourist attraction. Chobhammers were fascinated by what was happening on their common. Spectators travelled down from London on the trains from London to Chertsey and Woking. On one day alone, 100,000 came.
Very smartly dressed visitors viewed the manoeuvres from the higher ground. Contemporary illustrations show the public picnicking on the hillsides watching one of the greatest armies in Europe practising simulated battles. Must have been quite a sight. For Chobhammers it was useful extra income. "The parochial authorities, backed by the lord of the manor, are using every endeavour to turn the occasion to pecuniary advantage". There were many stalls selling to the public. The Parish charged £3 per foot of frontage; and 5s per foot of rear space.
Chob’ners ‘Punch’ poked gentle fun at the locals "The chief part of the visitors to the camp on Saturday and Sunday were the ruddy-looking peasants of the surrounding districts who on foot and on all sorts of vehicles, market carts, vans, drays, formed a most motley but apparently well satisfied crowd on the rude and barren heath of Chobham" |
