Tragedy of War Hero turned writer who lived in Epsom
In June 1960, Douglas Baber, 42, was found comatose through drink in the garden of his former home in Woodcote Green, a well-to-do housing estate in Epsom. A court appearance … Read More
Category: Local History
“Us and Them” visualises connections with former Epsom patients
A ground-breaking heritage project exploring the lives of disabled people detained in Surrey’s former mental hospitals is turning fresh attention on Horton Cemetery in Epsom – the burial ground of … Read More
British Railways’ 200 year celebration train coming to Epsom
Free exhibition train to steam into Tattenham Corner A free exhibition train celebrating 200 years of the modern railway will arrive at Tattenham Corner station next March as part of … Read More
Bit of Epsom history for sale
A distinctive slice of Epsom’s high street history has surfaced for sale — the original “Ladies at Lester Bowden” shop sign, once proudly displayed beneath the old walkway of the … Read More
Tracing the history of poor relief in Epsom and Ewell
Residents and researchers in the borough now have enhanced access to a fascinating trove of historic records that shed light on how our local community dealt with poverty, welfare and … Read More
A former Epsom Long Grove Hospital patient remembered for his pacifism
Barney Cohen (1897–1970) By his nephew, Andy Strowman There is a very quiet cemetery in London — East Ham Jewish Cemetery. You may be the only visitor there apart from … Read More
A snapshot of Romany Gypsy life in Woking
Written and visual sources for the lived experience of Romany Gypsies in the county are rare so a collection of copy photographs of the Baker family of Sunridge/Sundridge Camp, Old … Read More
Epsom & Ewell’s French racing twin is a favourite
The Château de Chantilly has been selected as Monument Préféré des Français 2025 (France’s Favourite Monument), surpassing 13 other iconic sites in a national vote. It succeeds the 24 Hours … Read More
King Athelstan returns to Kingston
Podcaster and historian Tom Holland was in Kingston on Thursday 4th September to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the coronation of King Athelstan, regarded as England’s first monarch. At a … Read More
Surrey to mark 50 years since the death of playwright R.C. Sherriff
This November marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Robert Cedric Sherriff (1896–1975), the Surrey-born playwright and screenwriter best remembered for his First World War play Journey’s End. Sherriff, … Read More