Epsom and Ewell

Epsom and Ewell, borough in Surrey, south-east England. The borough was originally formed in 1937 when the adjacent towns of Epsom and Ewell were joined. Service industries are the primary source of employment within the borough, but many residents commute to work in London. Epsom is the site of magnesium sulphate springs that were discovered around 1618, after which Epsom became a spa town. Epsom salts are a by-product of this spring water. Ewell also has mineral springs. The racecourse on Epsom Downs is particularly famous for the Epsom Derby, a flat race for three-year-old horses run since 1780. Epsom College (1855), a boys' public school, is in the borough. Population 67,075 (2001).