ABOVE - the first ever Christmas card designed by a famous by-gone Shere resident
1843 - Shere is the home of the Christmas Card as the former resident
Sir Henry Cole (Seaforth Cottage, opposite the village school) was 'The Man who Invented the Christmas Card'
(This was an amazing year as Charles Dickens also wrote and published 'A Christmas Carol' in December 1843)
Three years earlier, in 1840, Cole was credited with being instrumental in revamping the postal system and creating the first self-adhesive postage stamp: the Penny Black.
Sir Henry Cole was also close friends with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Cole accepted the commission from the Royals organize the Great Exhibition of 1851. This merging of art, industry and manufacturing was so successful that there followed similar exhibitions in London and Paris, and it was instrumental in reforming the patent laws a year later.
Sir Henry Cole also founded the VICTORIA & ALBERT museum in London. We should be very proud of our village and the connection to these amazing events/milestones in History.
WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR AHEAD
Tristan -
Shere Delight Village website
17th December 2018
Sept 1931 - Middle Street
Original photo of Middle Street uncovered. A professional newspaper photo, dated and stamped on the rear:
click above images to view
The photo was taken in support of the 'much talked about' Shere by-pass. Its interesting to note that the traffic and the motor car was starting to become a concern so early in the 1930s. But it was to take another 29 years of discussion and planning before the Shere by-pass was built.
16th December 2018
NEW Parish magazine - out NOW
The final Parish magazine of 2018 and as ever an amazing year for the Editor, Tim Austin and his editorial team. On page 8, Tim talks about the years milestones and the work that ittakes to deliver such an outstanding publication.
December 2018 - front cover A joyous Christmas to all our readers!
December 2018 - rear cover Shere's historic 2018 Village Photo Sunday, November 11th
click images to view
Christmas traditions: the Rev Andrew Pearson
Special services for Advent & Christmas
Remembrance in our Parish
Getting to know the new Surgery team
This and other news, the new 96 page Parish Magazine is OUT NOW
To echo the editors sincere thanks, the village website would like to thank The Editor (Tim Austin) for his amazing work ethic and his amazing team: advertising manager, editorial helpers, deputy editors, photographers, street deliverers, printer, all contributors and the Ministry Team for suporting the team to help us 'keep in touch' with our community.
Finally I was very excited about the back page of the Parish Magazine - 'Shere's historic 2018 Village Photo' which was taken on Sunday November 11th, Armistice Day. Sadly this passed me by but was so pleased that such an idea - thank you Marsha Walton - was acted upon.
Please call into the Shere Museum to have your name included in the list of people shown in the photo - there is a list waiting for your name to be added.
The Shere Museum opening times are 2-5pm every Saturday and Sunday. Further information can be read on page 29 on the Parish Magazine in the article titled: 'Crowds pack The Square for the Shere Village Photo'
I have received an email from ex-Hurtwood School pupil, Anna Gray. Its rare that we get an e-mail regarding life and memories from so long ago, 80 years in fact, so this article warrants special attention.
Anna and her sister, Janice attended the school from the summer of 1938 to the summer of 1939. In her e-mail, Anna writes: "The School
took a small number of children between the ages of 3 and 14, as well as caring, during the holidays, for children whose parents were abroad.
Janice and Anna
We started at Hurtwood School in the summer term 1938 when I was six (born 13.2.32) and Janice was probably just five, as she was born 18.5.33
Above: 1936 postcard showing the newly built Hurtwood School
It was a most advanced school for the time, with the building having been constructed in 1929, along very modernistic lines, quite out of keeping with the rest of the village.
Above: Photos from the school prospectus
We were there for a year, firstly as weekly boarders but latterly stayed full time, leaving only when war broke out, and Father was posted to Dartmouth College (as he was called back into the Navy) and Mother found another school for us in Penzance, from whence her family came. That school couldn’t have been more different, and if you have ever read 'The Shell Seekers' you can imagine what it was like, as 'Rosamunde Pilcher' was there at much the same time (but is nearly eight years older than me). I once wrote to her and told her what I thought of the place, but she replied very tactfully. I not only recognised it, but knew two girls on whom she must have based some of her writing.
We never returned to the South East, although on one occasion just after the war Father took us back to visit Miss Jewson, our old Head Mistress who was still at Hurtwood School.
In 1958 I went to live in Southern Rhodesia - now Zimbabwe - and only returned to this country in 1992, settling in Suffolk where I still live. However some years ago Janice and I were able to meet and make a trip over to Peaslake to try and find our old school, which we did.
It was a Saturday afternoon, and as we drove up to the school. We recognised it at once. We knocked on the front door which was open, but received no response, and it soon became evident that the whole place was deserted. We therefore wandered round to the back and gazed in disbelief at what we remembered as an almost Olympic sized swimming pool, into which we had been dropped on the end of a rope and expected to swim. Unluckily I had met a frog, which put me off swimming for many years!. We were amazed on this occasion to see that the pool was in fact very small indeed.
I seem to recall that we eventually found someone in the village who told us that there was a fete on somewhere and everyone must have gone to that. I would just love to know what happened to it, and should be most grateful if you have any information you could let me have. I have the school prospectus, which I could photocopy and forward should you be interested"
Anna has since sent me the scans of the Hurtwood School prospectus from 1938, hard to believe its 80 years ago. I have created a PDF document so that you can read it in full.
Anna also attached scans of the Hurtwood School prospectus from this time, 1938. I have created a PDF document so that you can read it in full. Click thislink to read the school prospectus.
Can anyone help Anna regarding the information she seeks?
My research so far:
I initially thought that the Hurtwood School could now be the 'Peaslake Free School' as this was set up in 1880 and rebuilt in the late 1920's but the buildings look different. Anna mentioned that she recognised the building and the swimming pool,
Hurtwood House is a Co-educational Senior Boarding School and is the only independent boarding school specialising exclusively in the Sixth Form.
Hurtwood House is also widely recognised as having the best Creative and Performing Arts and Media departments in the country and is therefore especially attractive to aspiring actors, directors, film directors, dancers, singers, artists and fashion designers.source
Please e-mail me if you have any stories or know of anyone who may have attended the Hurtwood School.
29th November 2018
1950s - Vintage photo
NEWLY UNCOVERED PHOTO: Taken sometime in the 1950s at the top of the Middle Street (Gomshall Lane/Upper Street) Junction. It's lovely to see the cobbled pavement outside the shops.
20th November 2018
Centenary of the end of the First World War 1918/2018
1914-1918
Above is the bronze plaque bearing the names of thirty three brave men from our Parish (Shere, Gomshall and Peaslake). The plaque can be viewed on the inner northern wall of St. James' church in Shere.
The Shere Parish Magazine,
click image to view March 1921, reported that at a SHERE MEMORIAL COMMITTEE meeting that Dr. Cory presented plans and drawings for a memorial window to commemorate the fallen.
Above photo: The Stained Glass Window depicting St. George
click image to view
Joseph T. ATKINS
Fredk. C. BATCHELOR
Walter BATCOCK
Frank COLLIS
Leonard CUMPER
Frederick EDE
George EGERTON
Frederick H. FOORD
George H. GROVER
George INWOOD
Charles JACK
Walter KILLICK
Horace KILLICK
Thomas LANGRISH
Benjamin E. LEADER
R.B. MARRIOTT-WATSON
George A. MURRAY
Jack MASON
Oliver V. POULTON
George W. PIZZEY
Ernest RAGGETT
George W. REYNOLDS
Douglas REYNOLDS
George W. SWEET
Algernon R. TAYLOR
George TARRANT
Albert J. TOREVELL
Hubert H. VINCENT
James T. VINCENT
Geoffrey L. WATSON
Cyril J. WHITTY
James WORSFOLD
Wallace WORSFOLD
THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY
Left Photo: The stained Glass Window depicting St. George along with the dedicatory inscription within the glass at base reads :"To the glory of God and to the honour of the men of this parish who fell in the Great War."
click image to view
Left photo postcard:
In February 1921 the Shere War Memorial Cross was unveiled consisting of a 'nameless' stone cross. Location: The Square, Shere, Guildford, GU5 9HG.
OS grid: TQ 07443 47785
Design: Floriated Maltese cross on cylindrical shaft, circular plinth and five stepped base.
Designed by Dr Isaac Rising Cory (1860-1945)
A VILLAGE CENOTAPH TROUBLE
The Graphic - November 13th 1920 - READ FULL ARTICLE
Interesting to see that Edwin Lutyens was invited to design the Shere War Memorial (a couple of days earlier the Lutyens designed) "The Cenotaph, Whitehall" in London was opened on 11th November 1920. The villagers of Shere however decided to turn their back onto the famous designer, who had designed various buildings in and around Shere:
1892 - Summers’ Barber’s Shop (now "The Dabbling Duck" tea rooms) was designed for Charles Summers, Barber & Shoemaker.
1892 - Lutyens’s cottages (Shere cottages) in Upper Street.
1894 - East Lodge with its prominent green gable.
1902 - Lych gate at the entrance to St James' Church
Two months later (Feb 1921) after the article was published, the War Memorial was unveiled in Shere and designed by Dr Isaac Rising Cory.
When the men of Shere returned from serving in the First World War the Parish wanted to honour them, by building and completing the present Village Hall. This was completed in 1922 and again designed by Dr Isaac Rising Cory.
click image to view
The then Original Parish Hall (the current location of the Shere Museum), was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1898 then became available for The Shere Working Men's Club. The Shere Working Men's Club closed in 1997 and the hall lay empty until 2006 when a team of volunteers started work on converting the building to house the village museum.
click image to view
You will see on various old postcard's a Gun sitting next to the Tillingbourne river (opposite the duck house) - This gun was to commerate the finish of World War 1 and was in place between the two World wars (1918 to 1940). In 1940 the gun was taken away and used as Scrap Iron for the Second World war effort.
Dr Isaac Rising Cory (1860-1945) was an extremley important figure in the village of Shere. He lived at Pilgrims Garth.
Dr. Cory was
• the village Doctor
• member of the Surrey Red Cross team
•
member of the Shere and Albury Fire Brigade.
• founder members of the local scout troop
• designer of the village Hall
• designer of the
village Swimming Pool
• designer of the village War Memorial
• designer of the memorial window in St. James'
• Holmbury St Mary WW1 Prisoner of war camp physician
11th November 2018
NEW Parish magazine - out NOW
November 2018 ISSUE - Cover Lest we forget ... 100 years on
November 2018 rear cover Thank you for the music ...
click images to view
Remembrance: John Aston Letter - Nick and Hazel's farewell weekend - Fiulming this month in Peaslake
This and other news, the new 96 page Parish Magazine is OUT NOW
8th November 2018
E. Grover
Grovers in The Square- click on photo to enlarge
After last weeks post showing the queue during the war, here is a relaxed photo of Mr. Grover during this period (although on second thoughts, judging by the sign, it could be during the thirtees or sometime after the war as the shop sign looks new). It would be fascinating to find out who else is the photo. Is it family or villagers just visiting?
7th November 2018
1941
Grovers in The Square- click on photo to enlarge
There were queues everywhere during World War II but none were longer than those outside shops. Here, the people of Shere patiently queue outside the fish shop at GROVERS and, among them, with the muffler, is one of the village's more distinguished residents, Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Secretary of State for India and Burma.
Lord Pethick-Lawrence liked to do the weekend shopping which he regarded as a happy relaxation from his work in politics.
Due to this I have spent some time researching Frederick William Lawrence. Born: 28th December 1871. Died: 10th September 1961
British politician who was a leader of the woman suffrage movement in Great Britain during the first two decades of the 20th century; he later served (1945–47) as secretary of state for India and Burma (now Myanmar).
In 1901 Lawrence married Emmeline Pethick, a fellow social worker in the East End of London, and added her family name to his own. Together they assailed their nation’s prosecution of the South African War (1899–1902) and then became leaders in the agitation for woman suffrage. Pethick-Lawrence spent nearly all his considerable inheritance paying suffragists’ fines; and in 1912, after a demonstration in London, he served a few months in jail.
A Socialist and Labour Party member, he defeated Winston Churchill, at that time a Liberal, in the 1923 election to the House of Commons from West Leicester. In Ramsay MacDonald’s second Labour ministry (1929–31) he was financial secretary to the Treasury. Secretary of state for India and Burma (August 1945–April 1947) in the Labour government of Clement Richard (afterward 1st Earl) Attlee. He was created a baron in 1945. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica
A Quiet Street View - The village without a motor car in sight.
29th October 2018
130,000 website visits
Thank you to everyone who has visited our Shere Village website
24th October 2018
World War II (1939-45)
Rare Postcard by permission of the Prime Minister
Postcard Cover
Rear postcard printed: Published by permission of the Prime Minister
click images to view
WORLD WAR II POLITICAL POSTCARD FEATURING PM WINSTON CHURCHILL, ILLUSTRATIONS OF BRITISH SOLDIERS AND THE VILLAGE OF SHERE IN SURREY
Features a photographic portrait of Winston Churchill alongside the quote ‘We shall defend every Village, every Town and every City...’
-
Shows a photograph of our beautiful village of Shere with illustrations of British soldiers around it
- published by the Photochrom Co Ltd ‘by permission of the Prime Minister’
22nd October 2018
NEW Parish magazine - out NOW
October 2018 ISSUE - Cover Our fondest farewells to Nick and Hazel
October 2018 rear cover Faith and Grace tackle the Hill Climb
click images to view
Farewell tributes to Nick and Hazel: the road from restoration to retirement - Nick and Hazel Whitehead will leave The Rectory in Shere this month after 8.5 years of immensly successful ministry in our Parish... ...May we wish them God speed!
This and other news:
Rector's Letter and tributes
Bishop blesses the St James' lavatory
Holiday Club report and pictures
All the fun of Peaslake Fair
Sun shines on Shere Hill Climb
Following up from the feature regarding the KLM airline accident, the above photo has been purchased. Taken by the Award winning press photographer Geoffrey White. He worked from the 1940s through to the 1980s for various publications such as The Daily Graphic, Daily Sketch and The Daily Mail. A highly respected photographer who was given passes to attend major events.
This original 10" x 14" original press photo of the KLM Airline - Dakota crash at Shere (Nov 1946). You can see that Geoff White has hand written on the top left hand side of this photo:
The final two uncovered photographs belonging to Miss E Frost of Crossing Gate Lodge, Gomshall, dated 1934.
I have tried to enhance the photo's:
You can clearly see a man standing next to the loco.
This may be a clue to the story posted bck in 2009, regarding a train crash thought to be during World War II - Full story below - Was this just a confusion with dates or totally unrelated?
Does anyone know anything about the following story, posted HERE
Crash at Gomshall, Surrey - Second World War?
"My Uncle was a fireman on the Southern Railway. I have a photograph of a smashed up locomotive. The story that has been past down to me over the years is roughly as follows: My Uncle was on the footplate of a freight train, carrying shells in a southern direction through Gomshall station. I am led to believe an express passenger train was given priority and my Uncle's train was diverted off the main line and crashed into a siding at Gomshall. I have trawled the internet and can only find a record of a crash at Gomshall in 1904. This has led to me questioning the story behind the photo I have in my possession. If anyone has any information on the authenticty of this accident I would love to hear from them, and if there is a possible line of investigation I will download a copy of the photo to aid any research" Alan T.
It would be wonderful if we could see the photo that Alan has in his possession - This was posted almost 10 years ago however (2009).
Another great photo, again from a disbound album belonging to Miss E Frost of Crossing Gate Lodge, Gomshall under the section 'photos dated 1928-35'
Further photo's can be viewed on the Train Station page
14th September 2018
Railway Crossing and Gate House
1928-35
Two sepia photographs have emerged, labelled 'Gomshall Lane railway crossing' and 'The Gate House'. From a disbound album belonging to Miss E Frost of Crossing Gate Lodge, Gomshall,
with photos dated 1928-35.
Although labelled 'Gomshall Lane', I assume this is the 'Burrows Lane/Queen Street' crossing - can anyone help to confirm this? If so, please contact me
Further photo's can be viewed on the Train Station page
4th September 2018
Shere - 1921
The Stream - Shere 1921
NEWLY UNCOVERED PHOTO: This 97 year old photo of two ladies sitting on the wall with the Lavender Lady Barn in the background. The First World War Carriage Gun sits next to the Tillingbourne. This gun was placed to commerate the finish of World War 1 and was in place between the two World wars (1918 to 1940). In 1940 the gun was taken away and used as Scrap Iron for the Second World war effort.
The trees are silver birch, not the willow trees we have today. We can also see 'The Pound' with its original gate. There were two gates to the pound. Click photo to view
A view of Middle Street in 1921 will be posted later this week, stay tuned...
The above photo was taken from the opposite direction 10 years later.
1887 - This remarkable story of a painting hidden behind a 'moderist' piece of work. Mr. Karl Donaldson has just contacted me with this fascinating story: "I found the painting at a boot sale. The frame had no glass but carried a signed print by the artist Mary Stork. The print was still in the original cellophane wrapper. The backing of the frame had been pulled away on one edge and the print pushed in, the cellophane acting as glass - it actually looked terrible and very distorted but had apparently been hanging on the wall like this for some years! - although I suspect it helped preserve the colours on the little gem underneath."
Click on the photo's to view
"If I may explain further. A recent acquisition was a small modernist work which had been fitted into a 19th century frame. When I opened the frame I uncovered a lovely impressionist watercolour of a cottage hidden beneath. Suffering from foxing it is nevertheless still crisp with strong colours and clearly undertaken by a talented hand. The painting is inscribed 'at Shiere' (bottom left) and initialed RJ and dated 87 (undoubtedly for 1887) bottom right."
Early spelling of 'Shere'
Initials RJ
The little gem underneath, I recognise as a painting of High House from the wooden footbridge leading from the Swimming Pool field to St. James' Church.
You can see from the illustration below by painter William Biscombe Gardner that the painting is indeed High House Farm
Uncovered painting
Similar view by Gardner
The dimensions of the actual painting are approximately 25 x 17 cm
Can anyone help us locate information on the painter 'RJ'? What do the initials 'RJ' stand for?
1889 - This rare 129 year old photo has been uncovered by NI Books in East Sussex of Lower Street looking towards The Square and the Tillingbourne Bridge.
Its a lovely glimpse into Victorian life in Shere with a lady pushing her pram, observed by two villagers and a cart parked on the corner of the Lavender Ladye - Click on the photo's above to view more detail
31st July 2018
The Square - Maypole dance
1904 - Fair in the Square - The annual Shere May festival.
This rare 114 year old postcard gives us a real glimpse back in time. The wonderful fashion of the Edwardian era (1901 – 1910) and a large turnout of villagers watching the Maypole dance. This annual festival was known as 'Fair In The Square'.
In the background we see 'SANDERS, Grocer & Draper' (now 'Shere Shop') with 'Vaughans' to the right.
Click on the above postcard image to see more detail - You can read to the right of the shop name, "Ready made clothing"
24th July 2018
Willow Trees, Lower Street
Willow Trees Lower Street, Shere - the trees have had a haircut:
Shere Parish Council posted the above information entry on on their Facebook page.
The Willow Trees...
... alongside the village stream in Lower Street, were planted in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
The above magazine cover photo titled
"Daffodils Under the Willows: Shere, Surrey" appeared in the
13th April 1967 issue - 14 years on.
When: Sunday 24th June 2018 - click on map for larger image
See Garden Details below
17th June 2018
Shere Open Gardens 2018
- 40th Anniversary
This is a huge celebration for the village of Shere, the 40th Anniversary of the Shere Open Gardens event, organised to raise money for a variety of village charities.
When: Sunday 24th June 2018
Where: Shere, off A25 half way between Guildford and Dorking
Time: 2pm – 6pm
FREE Parking: provided (well signposted)
Refreshment: Teas served at the Village Hall
Entry: Adults: £7; OAPs/over 65's: £6; Children under 16: FREE.
Tickets are available at the village hall and selected gardens, ask parking attendants for the nearest point.
No dogs (other than Guide Dogs)
Do Not Adjust Your Set was a British TV comedy sketch series produced originally by Thames Television (Rediffusion, London). Transmitted on the ITV channel from 26 December 1967 to 14 May 1969. The series starred members of the yet to be created "Monty Pythons Flying Circus" (two years before): Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Also starring was Denise Coffey, Sir David Jason OBE and the 'Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band'.
This sketch was fimed in Shere with David Jason playing 'Captain Fantastic', some 50 years ago - The programme's first series was directed Humphrey Barclay (born in Dorking) Humphrey was also known for producing the BBC radio series, I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again and TV's Desmond's, Two's Company and Look Back in Anger.
May 2018 rear cover All smiles for SALV's new Chairman
click images to view
NEWS that Nick and Hazel Whitehead are to retire and leave our Parish on September 30th - This and other news:
STOP PRESS: Rector to retire
May Day & Mayday! The Rev Rosemary Mason
Changes to doctors' team at Shere Surgery
The floral glory of Easter
Our Village website, www.sheredelight.com, reached One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand visitors (125,000) on Thursday 26th April 2018. Since the start of this website in July 2011, the vsitor numbers have been accelerating year on year. Having reached a landmark number of 100,000 in Feb 2017, we now have 25% more visitors in just over a year. Google "Shere" and this website ranks top of the list at number 3, with "Shere - Wikipedia" listed first. An amazing achievement considering that we do not advertise or pay for web rankings. Its all due to everyone who visits the website or searches for "Shere", so thank you to every visitor for your support, 125,000 thank you's. Tristan
27th April 2018
Benjamin Williams Leader
- Pencil drawings
There has been a lot of paintings, illustrations and sketches going to auction of late and here is another amazing find. This time by one of England's most outstanding late Victorian landscape and coastal painters. Famous for his paintings of St. James' Church, Benjamin is buried in the churchyard, along with his family.
Going under the hammer at Gerrards Auction Rooms on
May 3rd 2018 - Medium: Pencil - Size:
5.5 x 8.3/4 Inches
I stumbled across this on twitter and immediately knew where this location was - The 120 year old painting, titled 'Watering at the Village Ford', painted s&d 1898. I'll try and find out more about this, but for now here is the link:
Goal to raise money for a memorial bench in Shere.
As first reported in this months Shere Parish magazine (Page 31), Sasha Cook is planning to raise enough money to purchase a memorial bench in Shere so we can all remember Ben her late brother, Ben Cook. Sasha has started a business in order to raise £2,000 and is setting up a ‘pop up’ shop in the Pound this weekend. Please try and come along to support the family.
Local Art Dealer's Collection Going under the hammer at Ewbank's
Oils, Watercolours and Prints from single owner on sale in March 22nd.
Ewbank’s, Surrey’s leading auction house, has a fascinating collection of almost 50 paintings, mostly depicting Shere and the Surrey Hills, going on sale as part of its Fine Art auction on March 22nd.
Two paintings, out of the collection for auction:
Knapps Cottage (left) and Tudor Cottage (right)
This single-owner collection was put together over almost 20 years by Stephen Furniss, an antiques dealer who was based in Shere from the early 1980s until 2000. It was during his time in the village that Furniss began his collection of local views in oils and watercolours, as well as a handful of prints. Prior to moving to Shere, he worked at Bonhams Auctioneers throughout the 1970s, where he worked his way from a porter, to head of the collectors’ department. CONTINUE READING
The auction is on Thursday 22nd March 2018 at 10am and the full catalogue will be online from 9th March 2018.
Additional pages and features such as the volunteers' rota and social media interface are currently in development and will be added in the as part of the next phase. Thanks to Shere resident, Anna Kingston for her devotion and expertise in creating the new website and to the Museum Trustees and Management Committee for their tireless work in making it all happen.
Having posted last week about the continuing uncovering of unknown films where Shere is the film location,
I can reveal that the 1957, The Hypnotist (also known as Scotland Yard Dragnet) has also come to light. Starring the original Doctor Who actor, William Hartnell.
I am staggered at just how many more films get uncovered where our village has been used as a film location.
This time the 1948 film Dick Barton Special Agent
Car drives down Lower Street, turns left into Middle Street, over the Tillingbourne.
Following scene, the car pulls up outside Bodryn in Middle Street
The very first issue of the January 2018 Parish Magazine to be produced and printed in full-colour. Up until the end of last year, the Parish Magazine's front, rear and four centre pages were printed in colour. As of January 2018, the magazine will be produced and printed in full-colour throughout.
Following up on December 2017 issue: AWARD WINNERS
Best content in the 2017 National Parish Magazine Awards
Congratulations to Shere, Peaslake and Gomshall Parish Magazine Editor, Tim Austin and his team for the 'Best content' in the 2017 National Parish Magazine Awards
The village has been the home to various film locations,
such as The Wedding Date (Debra Messing & Dermot Mulroney)
Wedding scenes and shots of 'The Square'
The Holiday
(Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law)
Various village shots
The Ruling Class
1972 (Peter O'Toole, Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe). Shots of 'The White Horse interior and outside shots of 'The Square'. WATCH video clip (Inside the pub and outside in The Square).
Hearts of the World
(DW Griffith 1918 silent film) - some location shots. Starring Erich Von Stroheim, D.W. Griffith, Lillian Gish, Noël Coward, Dorothy Gish, Robert Anderson, Robert Harron, Billy Bitzer, William "Wild Bill" Elliott and features David Lloyd George.
A Matter of Life and Death
Shere was used as Dr. Reeve's village in the 1946 film
(David Niven and Kim Hunter) but seen very briefly through camera obscura that if you blink you would miss it.
The Earth Dies Screaming Shere was the location for the 1965 science fiction film which was mainly filmed around 'The Square' - see the newly planted Oak Tree below
Actors
Many more Hollywood films and actors, including two ex-James Bond actors - Sir Roger Moore and Sir Sean Connery as well as notable actors: Sir Michael Caine, Julie Walters, Debra Messing, Dermot Mulroney, Jude Law, Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Camron Diaz, Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Michael Winner (Director), Michael Kitchen, Edward Fox, Robert Hardy, Robert Mitchum, Deborah Kerr, Peter O'Toole, Alastair Sim, William Mervyn, Coral Browne, Harry Andrews, Carolyn Seymour, James Villiers and Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Stanley Holloway, Alfred Lynch, Cecil Parker, Wilfrid Hyde White, Kathleen Harrison, Eleanor Summerfield,, Eric Barker, Victor Maddern, Barbara Windsor, David Niven, Kim Hunter, Lillian Gish, Dorothy Gish, Noel Coward, Diana Rigg, Harry Hill, Simon Day, David Mitchell, Ben Miller, Emily Watson, Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Natasha Parry - View the FILM page for more
The nearest train stations to Shere are:
Gomshall train station (0.9 miles)
Chilworth train station (2.7 miles)
Clandon train station (4.3 miles)
Gomshall station was previously known as Gomshall & Shere, as it also serves the adjacent village of Shere.
It has been an unmanned station since 1967.
There are buses from the village that run every half that stops at
'The Compasses Pub' in Gomshall - This takes 3 minutes according
to the time table and means that you only walk 0.2 mile from there to
the train station
- so a max time of a 5 minute walk - Total time is 8 minutes from
Shere to the station by bus/foot.
London
by train - National RAIL WEBSITE times:
Gomshall to London Waterloo - Total time = 58 minutes
with 1 change at Guildford
Gomshall to Guildford = 15min
Waiting time between trains = 9min
Guildford to - London Waterloo = 34min
TOTAL: 58 minutes
ALTERNATIVELY - Gomshall to London Bridge
- Total time = 69 minutes
with 1 change (Redhill)
Gomshall to Redhill = 21min
Waiting time between trains = 12min
Redhill to - London Bridge = 36min
TOTAL: 69 minutes
STATISTICS Seems that Train travel is rising, heading for twice the amount of passengers in the past ten years. Annual rail passenger usage*: (Clandon figures compared as its a direct line to London)
1997/98: 17,780. (Clandon 142,780)
1998/99: 20,269. (Clandon 147,359) 1999/00: 26,484.(Clandon 155,727) 2000/01: 26,992. (Clandon 151,730) 2001/02: 25,660.(Clandon 140,098) 2002/03: 26,245.(Clandon 140,085)
2003/04: No data available
2004/05: 27,136. (Clandon 149,556)
2005/06: 28,968. (Clandon 141,921)
2006/07: 28,999. (Clandon 152,813)
2007/08: 32,978. (Clandon 178,203)
2008/09: 39,770. (Clandon 185,630)
2009/10: 41,040. (Clandon 177,902)
2010/11: 46,628. (Clandon 188,300)
2011/12: 50,736. (Clandon 186,530)
2012/13: 59,290. (Clandon 187,258) - Gomshall continues high growth (exceeds double figures over the last 10 years)
2013/14: 59,226. (Clandon 202,062) - Gomshall: Numbers stabalised.
2014/15: 58,430. (Clandon 216,602) - Gomshall: Numbers down.
2015/16: 56,806. (Clandon 222,396) - Gomshall: Numbers dropping.
2016/17: 58,228. (Clandon 222,750) - Gomshall: Numbers increased.
* Annual estimated passenger usage based on sales of tickets in stated financial year(s) which end or originate at Gomshall from Office of Rail Regulation statistics
Gomshall and Shere Railway station - 24th July 1937
WORLD PREMIER FILM - 1899 Fire Brigade, turn-out in the country
In Celebration of over 50,000 website visits -
I am proud to announce that the 1899 film titled
'Fire Brigade turn-out in the Country' is now available to view on this Shere Village website. It is the first time that this film has been available to view publicly.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this website. TristanSeptember 2015
.. a much sought after as a residential location, being within commuting distance of London and accessible to the M25 motorway. At weekends visitors come to visit and enjoy the scenery and facilities offered by this attractive village.
Set in the Tillingbourne Valley, Shere has everything a village should contain. There is a ford, ducks to feed, two pubs, shops, a teashop, blacksmith and an ancient church. It is no wonder that Shere has been chosen as a location for a number of film productions. 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason', starring Renee Zellweger and the 2006 film, 'The Holiday', starring Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Jack Black, both feature Shere.
Shere is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1087, as 'Essira' and notes the church, which probably existed long before the Norman invasion. The cottages in Shere present a mixture of styles from the 15th to 20th centuries, but the central part of the village is still fundamentally 16th and 17th century, with many timber-framed houses. The names of the cottages in Lower Street, indicate the growth of population and increased prosperity during this period, produced by the woollen industry. Lower Street runs alongside the River Tillingbourne to the Ford. Here you can see The Old Forge, The Old Prison, Weavers House and Wheelright Cottage.
Middle Street contains a working forge and village shops and leads to the bridge across the River Tillingbourne, where the wooden Old Fire Station, dated 1885, can be seen. This was the Shere and Albury Volunteer Fire Brigade Station. In 1977, it was converted to public toilets.
The White Horse Inn, opposite Church Square, is an attractive black and white timbered building, which in 1450, was a house called, "Cripps". About 1600, a chimney with stone back-to-back fireplaces, was added. It became an inn in the late 17th century. From 1866 – 1945, it was managed by the Askew family and the inn became frequented by literary and artistic figures.
The other pub, The William Bray, was once known as the Prince of Wales and formerly Cook's Beer House. It was built in the late 18th century, the frontage being an early 20th century addition.
The Church of St. James has been a place of worship since 1190. The spire, built between 1213 and 1300, is an excellent example of a brooch spire. It was covered with cedar shingles, but in 2000, these had to be replaced and handmade oak shakes were used. There are several brass plaques in the chancel dating from 1412, excellent for those who seek to take brass rubbings.
An intriguing aspect of St. James' Church, is The Anchoress of Shere. Christine Carpenter, in 1329 made a solemn promise to devote her life to God and live in a holy place. On 14th August 1329, the Bishop of Winchester gave permission for her to be enclosed in a cell which was built in the North wall of the chancel. Food and drink was given to her through a grating on the outside wall. On the inside of the church can be seen the Quatrefoil through which she received the bread and wine of communion. Through the squint window, she could see the altar. Not surprisingly, after three years, she decided to leave her cell, but for reasons unknown, it is recorded that on 10th November 1332, the Bishop of Winchester agreed to her request to be returned to the cell so "she may be enabled to achieve her salvation". William Carpenter, her father, it is believed, lived where the Willow and Ash Cottages now stand in Lower Street. These were built about 1475.
The Lych Gate was designed in 1902 by the architect, Edwin Lutyens, who later became Sir Edwin Lutyens and designed the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. He designed various buildings in Shere for the Bray family, who have been Lords of the Manor of Shere since 1487. These include The Manor House Lodge and Western Cottages in Upper Street and the building in Middle Street, now used as the Tea Room, "The Dabbling Duck", which was formely known as "The Lucky Duck", and before then "Asters Tea Shop".
Next year, visitors to Shere will be able to view what is predicted to be one of the most exciting events of the 2012 Olympic Games. On 28th July 2012, the first day of the Games, the Olympic 2012 Mens' Cycling Road Race will start from The Mall in Central London. The competitors will race for 240 kilometres through Surrey and return to The Mall in London. The route takes in Shere, Gomshall and 9 laps of Box Hill.
The following day, the Womens' Olympic Cycling Road Race follows the same, but a shorter route of 140 kilometres, again including Shere, Gomshall and Box Hill.
In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Shere like this:
SHERE, Sheire, or Shire, a village and a parish in Guildford district, Surrey. The village stands on the river Tillingbourn, at the foot of a range of chalk hills, ¾ of a mile NW of Gomshalland Shere r. station, and 5½ ESE of Guildford; and has a post-office under Guildford. The parish contains also the villages of Gomshall, and Peaslake; and comprises 6,396 acres. Real property, £6,334. Pop. in 1851, 1,403; in 1861, 1,503. Houses, 302. The manor belonged to the house of York; was held by the Butlers and the Touchets; was given by Henry VII to Sir R. Bray; and belongs now to Reginald Bray, Esq. Fir Hill, Hazel Hall, and Breakhurst House are chief residences; and several large houses were recently erected on the heath. An ancient camp of 8 acres is at Holmbury. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Winchester. Value, £730.* Patron, the Rev. R. L. Adams. The church is chiefly decorated English; and has a S Norman door, and a central tower and spire There are an Independent chapel, an endowed school with £20 a year, and charities £16. W. Bray, the county historian, was a native.
The Hon Sir Reginald More Bray (1842-1923), High Court judge and lord of the manor, lived at the Manor House.
Percy Alport Molteno (1861-1937), the South African shipping magnate and radical Liberal MP, who courted controversy for his opposition to the Boer War and support for black rights in South Africa, lived at Parklands.
Other landowners included Robert Scarlett Fraser-Mackenzie, the Hon Henry Cubitt of Denbies (Lord Lieutenant of Surrey), the Duke of Northumberland, the Earl of Lovelace and Rear Admiral R C Sparkes CMG of Shamley Green.
The landscape artist, Benjamin Williams Leader RA (1831-1923) lived at Burrows Cross, Shere. His son Benjamin Eastlake Leader (1877-1916), also an artist, was killed in action during World War I.
In Gomshall the leading residents were Sir Herbert Barnard JP, at Burrows Lea, and Mrs Levin, at Netley Park.
Sir James Matthew Barrie, Victoria playwright, lived at Anchor Cottage - records of his letters to Sir Henry Irving (a celebrated Victorian actor) can be found HERE
Shere ~ Surrey Life towns and villages
Shere has a historic connection with baseball! Experts at Surrey History Centre confirmed in 2009 that baseball was played in Britain more than 20 years before American independence and it was all thanks to Sheres William Bray, who wrote about it in his diary. This is credited as the first reference to a game, which was played in Guildford on March 31, 1755. SOURCE
above photo: Sir David Jason OBE - © (Image: Surrey Advertiser) 
The nearest train stations to Shere are:
