A fresh look at the history of Bletchingley (Blechingley), centred on The Grange and its transient residents, but with fascinating digressions around the village and beyond. Within these pages you'll find stories of Bletchingley residents: famous, infamous and workaday, such as eminent doctors, head parlourmaids, masters of the hunt, postmen and lords of the manor.
Discover previously unpublished material, including a WWII diary and photographs from family archives. Containing over 400 illustrations, with a number of black and white photos brought to life in glorious colour. A detailed history beautifully showcased through the work of eminent photographers, artists and locals.
A pictorial history of Bletchingley's historic properties, institutions and businesses; from manor house and castle to farm and shop, from hospital to workhouse - and the Descent of the Lordship of the Manor of Bletchingley.
Among the names that have played a part in Bletchingley history and who appear in this book are: Abbott, Bell, Blessig, Birkbeck, Brandt, Boulter, Clayton, Coppard, Denny, D'Oyly Carte, Dunderdale, English, French, Gavell, Hoskins, Judson, Kenrick, Lambert, Leslie, Lovell, Marshall, Martin, Norris, Oldman, Partridge, Perkins, Pratt, Risbridger, Robertson, Robinson, Russell, Sackville, Sharp, Smith, Tobitt and Wren.
'The history of Blechingley is well documented - by William the Conqueror's Domesday book, then by my grandfather in 1921, and now by Dave McCleave who has written a stirring and accessible modern day account of the buildings and inhabitants, lavishly illustrated with colour photos. Enjoy!' Dame Sarah Jane Frances Goad, née Lambert, DCVO, JP - Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey from 1997 to 2015.