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Claygate


Claygate is a suburban village and civil parish in the Elmbridge borough of Surrey, England, located approximately 14 miles (23 km) southwest of central London. With a population of 7,263 according to the 2021 census, it serves as the only civil parish within its borough, governed by a parish council of ten elected members. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Claigate" and held by Westminster Abbey, the settlement originated as a rural area named for its clay pits, which supported early brick-making industries. Its development accelerated in the 19th century with the construction of Holy Trinity Church in 1840, marking separation from Thames Ditton parish, and the opening of Claygate railway station in 1885, which spurred population growth from around 850 residents to its current size. Today, Claygate remains an affluent, sought-after residential community bordered by woods and countryside, featuring local shops, farms, and conservation areas while maintaining a semi-rural character within the Metropolitan Green Belt. Notable landmarks include the Victorian Ruxley Towers and the former Telegraph Hill semaphore station from 1822, reflecting its historical ties to communication and estate influences like nearby Claremont House.

History

Origins and Etymology

The name Claygate originates from the abundant clay deposits in the locality, which supported extensive pit extraction for brickmaking that supplied materials to surrounding estates and landmarks, including much of . These pits, characteristic of the London Clay formation underlying the area, gave rise to the toponym, reflecting the site's geological suitability for ceramic production as early as the , though extraction likely predated organized industry. The village's recorded origins date to the Domesday survey of 1086, where it appears as a modest settlement in the hundred of , encompassing 5 households under the tenure of . This entry, compiled under , documents Claygate as part of the broader manor of , indicating early agrarian use amid clay-rich soils that would later define its economic niche. Prior habitation cannot be ruled out, but no verifiable pre-Norman evidence survives, underscoring the Domesday record as the foundational historical attestation.

Medieval Manor and Early Settlement

The name Claygate derives from Old English elements referring to a gate or passage associated with clay deposits, reflecting the area's geological features known as the Claygate Beds, which were exploited from Saxon times. The settlement, recorded as Claigate in the Domesday Book of 1086, formed a small rural community in the hundred of Kingston, Surrey, with approximately 5 households comprising 3 villagers and 2 smallholders, equating to a population of around 25-30 individuals. It encompassed ½ hide of land, supporting 2 ploughlands (1 on the lord's demesne and 1 among the men), 5 acres of meadow, and woodland sufficient for 1 hog's pannage, but lacked a church or mill; the manor's value stood at £2 10s in 1086, slightly up from £2 in 1066. Prior to the Norman Conquest, the land was held by Tostig, brother of Harold Godwinson. The of Claygate was granted to shortly after the and remained under the ownership of its Dean and Chapter from the 11th century onward, with royal confirmations issued by and King between 1135 and 1154. As a sub-manor within the broader estate of , it functioned primarily as an agricultural holding, yielding rents and resources to support the abbey; the absence of significant infrastructure in Domesday records indicates limited development, consistent with a dispersed, peasant-based focused on arable farming and woodland management. Throughout the medieval period, the manor sustained its modest scale, with no evidence of nucleated growth or urban features until later centuries, reflecting the typical pattern of Surrey's rural manors under ecclesiastical tenure. The abbey's control persisted until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538, after which the estate was annexed to the Crown's Hampton Court holdings.

19th and 20th Century Suburbanization

During the early 19th century, Claygate remained a predominantly rural agricultural settlement, characterized by small farms and brick-making operations that exploited the local Claygate Beds clay deposits, which supplied materials for repairs at Hampton Court Palace and emerging railway infrastructure. Brick production peaked in the mid-19th century, supporting limited economic activity alongside farming on eleven surrounding estates, many of which later succumbed to residential development. The construction of Holy Trinity Church in 1840 marked a step toward ecclesiastical independence from Thames Ditton parish, while Ruxley Towers, a Victorian mansion built by landowner Lord Foley, exemplified the era's sporadic grand estates amid otherwise modest cottages. The opening of Claygate railway station in 1885 on the London and South Western Railway's Guildford line catalyzed , shifting the village center approximately half a mile southeast to accommodate commuter access to , 14 miles northeast. This connectivity, combined with the allure of nearby Claremont House—a royal residence since 1816—attracted affluent professionals, prompting Lord Foley to subdivide and sell land for housing, as seen in streets like Foley Road and Claremont Road. Population surged from around 850 residents in 1885, reflecting the influx of middle-class commuters seeking rural proximity to urban employment. In the , interwar and postwar expansion accelerated as farmland and former grounds were repurposed for homes and estates, solidifying Claygate's status as an affluent commuter within Elmbridge. Brick-making persisted into the era, with Claygate Fireplaces Ltd operating from until its closure in 1964, though housing overshadowed agriculture. By mid-century, large-scale developments had transformed much of the surrounding acreage, elevating the toward its modern figure of approximately 7,000 while preserving a semi-rural character through selective rather than dense .

21st Century Preservation Efforts

In the , preservation efforts in Claygate have centered on safeguarding the village's historic core, boundaries, and assets amid pressures from suburban expansion and demands in Elmbridge Borough. The Claygate Village Association (CVA), a registered established for public benefit, has played a pivotal role by opposing developments deemed incompatible with the area's character, including multiple campaigns against infill and commercial conversions that threaten historic amenities. The association's objectives explicitly include the preservation and protection of features of historic interest, drawing on advocacy to influence planning decisions. Elmbridge Borough Council maintains the Claygate Village Conservation Area, originally designated in 1990 but subject to ongoing 21st-century reviews and management to protect its , green spaces like The Green, and surviving pre-suburban buildings. A character appraisal updated in 2023 outlines statutory duties for boundary reviews, enhancement schemes, and mitigation of threats such as unsympathetic modern extensions, emphasizing the area's role as a rare intact village center. Claygate Parish Council complements these efforts by scrutinizing planning applications within the conservation area, advocating for designs that respect local and opposing changes that erode spatial qualities. The Village Design Statement, developed through parish consultations, further guides preservation by mapping building ages and types to inform policy against overdevelopment. Notable campaigns highlight community-driven resistance to encroachment on land and sites. In 2023 and 2025, residents and the parish mobilized over 300 objections to a proposed 60-home development on land north of Raleigh Drive, citing harm to countryside separation, traffic increases, and loss of rural character; the scheme was rejected twice by the and an appeal dismissed, preserving the site's openness. Similarly, in 2025, the Claygate launched a bid to repurpose The Winning Horse pub—closed since 2019 and linked historically to Racecourse—as a multifaceted , countering a conversion application amid failed asset-of-community-value listing; the effort underscores tensions between economic reuse and cultural retention, with officers recommending approval but ongoing as of September. These initiatives reflect broader local protections, including recognition of non-statutory assets like period cottages contributing to Claygate's pre-20th-century fabric.

Geography and Environment

Location and Boundaries

Claygate is a in the Elmbridge borough of , , situated approximately 14 miles (23 km) southwest of within the commuter belt. It serves as the only in Elmbridge, with administrative boundaries defined by the parish council and encompassing both residential and green spaces. The parish's central location corresponds to the grid reference TQ 156 636, or 51°21′N and 0°20′W. The boundaries of Claygate adjoin to the west and Hinchley Wood to the north, while land predominates to the south and east, preserving rural character amid suburban development. Partial eastern edges border Long Ditton and extend toward the London Borough of , reflecting historical delineations adjusted over time. These limits, mapped by local authorities, encompass an area of 471 hectares (4.71 square kilometers), balancing urban proximity with protected countryside.

Topography, Green Spaces, and Conservation

Claygate occupies gently rolling characteristic of the surrounding , with clay-rich soils contributing to undulating averaging 36 meters above . Sub-areas such as Ruxley exhibit varied , including noticeable elevation changes that influence residential design with split-level to accommodate slopes. The village is bordered by open countryside and woodlands on three sides, providing extensive views from elevated points like Telegraph Hill and roads such as Claremont Road. Key green spaces include the central The Green, a historic village common surrounded by mature trees and attractive groups of older buildings, serving as a focal point for community activities. Claygate Recreation Ground, established in 1932 and spanning seven acres, offers sports pitches, play areas, and adjacent woodlands, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually for recreation and events. Claygate Common, a 14.1-hectare Local Nature Reserve managed by Elmbridge Borough Council, consists primarily of ancient and secondary woodland dominated by oak, beech, and hornbeam, supporting diverse bird species and providing public access via paths. Tree-lined roads, hedgerows, and pockets of semi-natural woodland further integrate green elements into the suburban fabric, particularly east of Coverts Road. Conservation efforts emphasize preserving these features amid suburban pressures. The historic village center, encompassing The Green, forms a designated (CLAY01) focused on retaining significant trees, traditional shop fronts, and the spatial character defined by low-scale development. The Foley Estate (CLAY03) is another , protecting Arts and Crafts-style architecture and landscaped settings with mature planting. Local policies guide development to enhance local distinctiveness in the and landscape, including restrictions on tree removal and promotion of in green spaces, as outlined in Elmbridge's planning framework. These measures aim to mitigate urban encroachment while maintaining Claygate's semi-rural envelope.

Demographics

Population Statistics and Socioeconomic Profile

In the 2021 , Claygate recorded a of 7,263 usual residents across 2,806 households, yielding an average household size of 2.6 persons and a of 1,542 per square kilometer. The average age was 42.3 years, with females accounting for 51.7% of residents. Ethnic composition was predominantly White (90.6%), followed by Asian/Asian British (4.5%) and mixed ethnic groups (3.4%), indicating lower diversity than the average. Religious affiliation included 55.1% Christian, 34.9% with no religion, and 5.9% not stating. Claygate's socioeconomic profile reflects affluence, with home ownership rates ranking third highest among Elmbridge's 16 wards and social renting ranking ninth lowest. Household deprivation affects few residents, as the ward ranks sixth for households deprived in no dimensions and ninth for those deprived in one dimension only—figures underscoring minimal multidimensional deprivation relative to the . Employment data from the 2021 Census highlight concentrations in professional occupations (ward rank fifth) and managerial/directorial roles (rank sixth), with low economic inactivity (rank sixth) and aligning with Elmbridge's below-national averages. The area's skilled workforce correlates with high , though ward-specific qualification data emphasize elevated levels of degree-level or equivalent , consistent with Surrey's profile where over 40% of working-age adults hold Level 4+ qualifications. Elmbridge ranks among England's least deprived districts per the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation, with Claygate's suburban character contributing to low scores in income, employment, and subdomains at the Lower-layer Super Output Area level.

Economy

Local Commerce and Retail

Claygate's local commerce centers on two primary retail hubs: The Parade, which hosts over 30 businesses including cafes, , butchers, fishmongers, and restaurants; and the Old Village, featuring estate agents, grocers, and undertakers. Hare Lane supplements these with a , wine cafe, florist, and beautician. The sector emphasizes independent, family-run enterprises, such as Nathans , operating for over 30 years, and Claygate Butchers, specializing in meats. Retail provision includes a diverse array of Class E uses across 52 units, with categories spanning , gifts, home , , DIY , and services like hairdressers and estate agents. In 2024, total turnover reached £24.9 million, comprising £12.1 million in convenience (capturing 77.7% local ), £2.8 million in comparison (14.6% share), and £10.0 million in and beverage (63.5% share). Vacancy stands at a low 5.8% (three units), supported by rental values of £380–£400 per square meter and the highest Local Needs Index score of 10 out of 16 among Elmbridge centers, indicating robust service provision for its 23,204 residents. The retail sector serves as Claygate's largest employer, underpinning a vibrant high street recognized as runner-up in the 2016 Great British High Street Competition for its independent shops, pubs, and restaurants. Community efforts, including promotion of cafe culture and village markets, aim to sustain footfall amid projections of negative floorspace capacity for convenience and comparison goods through 2040, contrasted by surplus demand for food and beverage outlets reaching 217 square meters by then. Elmbridge's Draft Local Plan proposes upgrading Claygate from local to district centre status, reflecting its economic vitality within the borough.

Employment and Business Landscape

Claygate's residents exhibit high employment rates, consistent with its status as an affluent commuter village within the London economic orbit. In the 2021 Census, 3,400 usual residents aged 16 and over were employed in the week prior to the census, comprising a significant portion of the ward's working-age population of approximately 5,000. Economic activity is dominated by professional and managerial occupations, including chief executives, senior officials, and roles in health, education, business, and finance, reflecting the socioeconomic advantages of the area where median household incomes exceed national averages. Unemployment remains low, mirroring Elmbridge borough's rate of 2.5% for residents aged 16-64, with many individuals commuting via rail to central London or working in nearby Surrey hubs like Guildford and Kingston. The local business landscape features a of small-scale, independent enterprises rather than large-scale industry or manufacturing. Centered on The Parade, the village hosts around 25-30 family-owned outlets, cafes, and providers, including butchers, florists, travel agents, and eateries such as houses and houses. These operations emphasize personalized and contribute modestly to the local economy, with no dominant corporate employers; the sector aligns with Surrey's broader emphasis on and rather than . Community initiatives, including grants for business improvements and promotions of village markets, support vitality amid competition from larger nearby centers like and Kingston.

Community and Culture

Social Organizations and Traditions

Claygate features a range of social organizations centered on , cultural activities, and recreational pursuits. The Claygate Village Association, founded in 1946, coordinates major village events and promotes local character through initiatives like charity support and festive gatherings. The Claygate , established in 1950 with more than 200 members, hosts demonstrations, talks, and workshops focused on . Cultural societies include the Claygate Choral , operational for over 50 years and staging 2-3 concerts annually, and the Claygate Dramatic , a longstanding group producing theatrical performances. Youth-oriented groups such as the 1st Claygate Scouts, encompassing Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers, deliver structured activities for children and teens, while the charity-based Youth Club offers open-access programs. For retirees, Elmbridge u3a provides over 100 interest groups emphasizing lifelong learning and social interaction. Recreational clubs like the Claygate Bowls Club and Claygate Bridge Club facilitate social matches and gatherings at community venues. Longstanding traditions underscore Claygate's communal heritage. The Claygate Flower Show, inaugurated in July 1903, remains an annual highlight with exhibitions spanning , floral displays, arts, crafts, and over 200 competitive classes, including a prominent junior section. The Boxing Day procession features performances by the Thames Valley Morris Men at the village's five pubs, a custom tied to the group's 70-year history of local dances. Additional annual observances include the switch-on event, organized by the Village Association, and the Claygate Links, billed as the community's premier gathering. These events, often hosted at the Claygate Village Hall—built between 1959 and 1965—reinforce social bonds through public participation.

Arts, Media, and Local Identity

Claygate hosts several groups that contribute to its cultural landscape. The Claygate Dramatic Society, an company, stages regular productions and welcomes participants through auditions, fostering community involvement in performance arts. Similarly, the Claygate Choral Society, comprising around 50 members, performs works such as Rossini's in two to three annual concerts. Music ensembles active in the area include the Oxshott & Cobham Music Society, which presents six or more classical chamber music concerts from October to March at Holy Trinity Church in Claygate, featuring professional performers. Vocality Claygate offers unaccompanied harmony singing sessions focused on uplifting repertoire, emphasizing social connection through music. Youth-oriented programs, such as Dramacube's musical theatre workshops for ages 5-18, provide drama and performance training to build confidence. Local events have historically included the Claygate Music Festival in March 2018, showcasing acts like and , and the inaugural Claygate Arts Festival planned for March 2020, which aimed to highlight writing, performance, and broader activities amid the village's existing groups. Community venues like the Claygate Centre host seasonal arts sessions, including crafts and piano performances of holiday songs. Media coverage of Claygate appears primarily through regional outlets, with Surrey Live providing local news on community issues and events, supplemented by platforms like InYourArea for updates on weather, incidents, and gatherings. The Surrey Comet publishes Elmbridge-specific reporting, including Claygate, on a weekly basis. These arts initiatives and event coverage reinforce Claygate's identity as an affluent, community-focused suburban village, where participation in theatre, music, and festivals—such as the longstanding July Claygate Flower and Village Show, claimed as the UK's oldest—promotes social cohesion and preservation of local traditions amid its conservation-oriented character. Annual events like Gig on the Rec, featuring live bands in July, further embed music into communal life.

Education

Primary Schools

Claygate Primary School, a community primary school maintained by , serves the village and is located at Foley Road, Claygate, , KT10 0NB. It accommodates pupils aged 4 to 11, with a current enrollment of 354 students against a capacity of 420 places. The school prioritizes academic standards alongside enrichment programs and pastoral care, admitting children at the start of the academic year in which they turn five. In its Ofsted inspection conducted on 13 and 14 June 2023, the school was rated Good overall, with specific strengths noted in quality of , behavior and attitudes, and personal development. At , 77% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school's catchment area primarily encompasses Claygate, with priority for local residents in admissions processes managed through . It acts as a feeder for nearby secondary schools, including Hinchley Wood School and High School. Headed by Mrs. Sandra Cunningham, the institution maintains a pupil-teacher of approximately 20:1 and low eligibility for free meals at 8.8%. Nearby options include Church School, a voluntary aided primary on Milbourne Lane in Esher, which admits children from Claygate in oversubscription criteria after prioritizing its core catchment. provision is available at Milbourne Lodge School, a co-educational preparatory school for ages 4 to 13 located on Arbrook Lane at the Esher-Claygate border, catering to fee-paying families from the local area.

Secondary Schools

Pupils from Claygate typically transition to at nearby state schools in the area, with no sited directly in the village. Claygate Primary School serves as a feeder for both Hinchley Wood School and High School, though feeder status does not guarantee admission due to competitive entry criteria including distance from the school and sibling priority. Hinchley Wood School, an 11-18 coeducational converter, is located at Claygate in Hinchley Wood, approximately 1.5 miles from central Claygate. Established as a non-selective comprehensive, it emphasizes teaching and learning with a broad curriculum including extracurricular clubs and provisions. The school admits around 240 pupils into annually, drawing from local primaries including Claygate. Esher Church of England High School, situated in town center about 2 miles from Claygate, provides coeducational education from ages 11-18 with a ethos. It focuses on nurturing academic progress within an inclusive community, serving as a key option for Claygate pupils alongside Hinchley Wood. Admission prioritizes looked-after children, those with faith criteria, and proximity. A portion of Claygate secondary pupils opt for independent schools, such as those in nearby areas like Cobham or Kingston, though specific enrollment figures for Claygate residents are not publicly detailed by local authorities. oversees admissions for state schools, with applications processed via a common form emphasizing fair access based on published oversubscription policies.

Transport and Infrastructure

Road Connectivity

Claygate's road network consists primarily of unclassified local roads and B-roads, providing connections to the wider strategic network without direct access to motorways. The village center links southward via Claygate Lane to the A307 Portsmouth Road, a key arterial route paralleling the trunk road approximately 1-2 miles to the south. This configuration funnels outbound traffic from Claygate onto the A307, which intersects with the at multiple points, including near to the east for access toward . To the west, the B365 Seven Hills Road offers an alternative route from Claygate's periphery toward the A245 at Cobham, facilitating indirect links to the A3 and the M25 motorway at Junction 10 (Wisley Interchange), roughly 6 miles distant. The A3 provides essential connectivity for commuters, serving as the primary route to central London (about 15 miles northeast via the Esher Bypass) and Portsmouth to the southwest, though it experiences frequent congestion. Ongoing upgrades to the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange, including lane widenings and junction enhancements, are projected to alleviate bottlenecks and improve journey reliability for traffic originating from Claygate by spring 2026. Local road maintenance periodically disrupts access, such as closures at the Claygate Lane/A307 junction for safety improvements and resurfacing. The absence of high-volume thoroughfares through the village preserves relatively low internal traffic levels but heightens dependence on these peripheral routes during peak hours and works, which have included overnight closures and diversions as part of widening projects. These factors underscore Claygate's integration into Surrey's commuter belt, where road capacity enhancements are critical for sustaining connectivity amid regional growth.

Public Transport Links

Claygate railway station, located on The Parade, is operated by South Western Railway and provides direct services on the Surbiton to Guildford line. Trains connect to London Waterloo via Surbiton, with journeys taking approximately 35 minutes, and to Guildford, reachable in about 15 minutes. Services typically operate every 30 minutes in each direction during daytime hours, with increased frequency during peak times. The station features a ticket office open Monday to Friday from 06:20 to 13:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00, along with a ticket vending machine. Bus services at the station and throughout Claygate are primarily provided by the K3 route, operated by London United under contracts. This route runs from Esher High Street through Claygate (serving stops including Claygate Railway Station, Common Road, and Arbrook Lane) to , Kingston, and Vale. It operates daily, with frequencies of around 12-20 minutes during peak hours and less frequently off-peak, extending into evenings. No other regular bus routes directly serve Claygate, making the primary link for longer-distance travel.

Governance and Politics

Administrative Structure

Claygate operates within England's traditional three-tier framework, comprising , district (borough), and county authorities. The tier is managed by the Claygate Parish Council, an elected body of ten members serving fixed four-year terms, responsible for local amenities, community events, and input on planning applications while preserving the area's character. At the district level, Claygate forms the Claygate within Elmbridge Council, which oversees services such as refuse collection, housing, , and facilities. The elects three borough councillors, currently including representatives from the Liberal Democrats and Independents, with elections held every four years. Surrey County Council provides upper-tier services including education, highways, social care, and libraries, with Claygate covered by a single county among the authority's 81 members. This structure aligns with 's two-tier model outside the borough-parish layer, though proposals for and reorganisation—potentially creating East and West Surrey unitary authorities—could consolidate powers by 2027, pending government approval.

Electoral Representation

Claygate falls within the Esher and Walton parliamentary constituency, which elects one to the . The constituency has been represented by Monica Harding of the Liberal Democrats since her election on 4 July 2024, following the general election in which she secured 23,398 votes (48.0% of the valid vote share). At the county level, Claygate is included in the Hinchley Wood, Claygate and electoral division of , which elects a single for a four-year term. The division was represented by a Conservative until a by-election on 21 2025, won by Andy Burton of the Liberal Democrats with 1,656 votes (38% of the vote), contributing to the loss of the Conservative majority on the council. For borough governance, Claygate forms a single in Elmbridge Borough Council, electing three councillors in staggered cycles every four years, with elections last held on 2 May 2024. Current representatives include Mike Rollings (Liberal Democrats, term ending 2026) and Mary Marshall (, term ending 2028); the third seat follows the borough's political composition, which features a mix of Liberal Democrats, Residents' Associations, and Independents as of the 2024 elections. Claygate also maintains a council of ten elected members, serving four-year terms with the most recent election in May 2023 and by-elections as needed. The council, chaired by Donna Holt, addresses hyper-local issues including planning applications, highways maintenance, and community facilities, operating independently but coordinating with higher-tier authorities.

Development Controversies and Local Resistance

In recent years, a primary controversy in Claygate centered on outline plans for up to 60 dwellings on north of Raleigh Drive, submitted to Elmbridge Borough . The proposal, which included a mix of market and , faced significant local opposition due to concerns over encroachment on protected , increased flood risk, strain on local , and loss of rural character. Over 300 objections were lodged by residents, highlighting fears of " creeping towards us" and undermining the village's semi-rural identity. Claygate Parish formally objected, arguing the site did not constitute previously developed and that would harm the green belt's openness without exceptional circumstances to justify it. The application was initially refused by Elmbridge councillors on September 16, 2025, primarily on grounds of flood risk, as the site lies in Flood Zone 1 but with concerns exacerbated by projections. However, within 24 hours, the government revised its National Planning Policy Framework guidance, directing councils to discount future flood risk scenarios in sequential testing for site allocation, effectively nullifying the council's refusal rationale. This prompted a , with councillors approving the plans (subject to a Section 106 agreement for contributions) at a meeting shortly thereafter, describing the intervention as "shameful" and claiming had "chopped off their legs." Local residents and the parish council viewed the override as prioritizing national housing targets over local environmental protections, with the parish maintaining its stance against any development in Claygate. Broader resistance to development in Claygate reflects a pattern of against perceived threats to green spaces. In 2008, nearly 400 residents attended a public meeting to oppose plans for 150 homes, demonstrating strong opposition to large-scale builds. The parish council has consistently advocated for preservation, monitoring shifts like the 2024 revisions to the NPPF that emphasize brownfield sites before green belt releases, and committing to challenge applications lacking very special circumstances. These efforts underscore local priorities for maintaining low-density housing and natural buffers, amid Elmbridge's broader struggles with its local plan deemed "unsound" by a inspector in 2024 for underestimating housing needs. Despite approvals, such as the October 2025 granting of permission for the Raleigh Drive site, ongoing petitions and council resolutions indicate sustained resistance.

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