Tradition maintains that in 54 BC the Catuvellauni tribe which rules the area now known as Spelthorne, fortified the banks of the River Thames near Lower Halliford in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the Romans, under the leadership of Julius Caesar, from crossing. This area later came to be known as Cowey Stakes, although differing theories exist as to the origins of and use of these stakes.
Although Shepperton covers a wide area, its commercial and residential centres are in "pockets" and it therefore manages to maintain a village character. Within the High Street there are numerous individual shops, a library and many restaurants. There is also a mainline rail terminus to Waterloo.
Church Square, which leads down to the river, is a picturesque Conservation Area where a number of charming public houses and restaurants can be found. "The King's Head" has part of its building dating back over 400 years, and "The Anchor", which originally had a thatched roof, has parts dating back to around 1600. The Parish Church of St. Nicholas, in the square, was completed in 1614 and some 300 yards from its original site.
The areas of Upper and Lower Halliford, and Littleton are communities within their own rights, although they also run into Shepperton without any noticeable boundaries.
At the east end of Lower Halliford Green the 18th century manor house of Halliford still exists, although it is unsure whether the house in Upper Halliford named "Halliford Minor" is connected with the manor itself.
Littleton, although not mentioned in the Domesday Book, is believed to have been in existence since 700 AD. Set not far from the high banked Queen Mary Reservoir, the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, which was built in 1135, is possibly one of the oldest and most attractive churches in south-east England, with its mixture of styles and changing hues of the building materials used.
Littleton Park House and 70 acres of land were bought in 1928 by Mr Norman Laudon, who then used the house and part of the grounds to establish what is now the world famous Shepperton Studios. Where films such as Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love and Hilary and Jackie were filmed. Graphical Version l
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