Caterham is divided, by virtue of its geography, into Caterham on the Hill and Caterham Valley - the main town centre. The earlier settlement of Caterham-on-the-Hill developed in the High Street area, St Lawrence's Church probably dating from the 12th century.
Caterham is a town in the Tandridge District of Surrey, England. The town lies close to the A22, a few miles south of Croydon, in a valley cut into the dip slope of the North Downs. Caterham on the Hill is above the western side of the valley. Caterham URC is one of the predominant buildings in the valley - the church with the clock.
The original settlement was on the ridge above the modern town and is now called Caterham on the Hill.
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 North Downs Way, a popular National trail with walkers passes very close to the town.