Surrey Heritage

01/09/2026

For our September Marvel of the Month, learn how Surrey County Archaeological Unit excavations revealed one of Surrey's most surprising medieval discoveries https://orlo.uk/VZXND

Digging Surrey's Past

29/08/2026

In the latest blog post for History @ Kingston, Dr. Steven Woodbridge explores the fascinating history of early film production around Kingston, Surbiton, and Twickenham: https://orlo.uk/Z9VsM

Screen Archive South East Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons via History @ Kingston

28/08/2026

We have a couple of spaces left on our behind the scenes tour next week! Book online at https://orlo.uk/SxEvI

27/08/2026

Last night’s BBC1 ‘Fake or Fortune’ featured an update on popstar Chesney Hawkes’ Broadwood & Sons piano and its possible connection with John Lennon. Our very own Robert Simonson, Broadwood & Sons expert, gives a masterclass in how to trace the piano’s history in the company’s archive held at Surrey History Centre. Available now on iPlayer

The team revisit the fast-growing market for rock music memorabilia. Armed with fresh research, can they finally solve the mystery of John Lennon’s piano and Ronnie Wood’s guitar?

27/08/2026

Last year as part of our commemorations of RC Sherriff, we brought you further research into Pte Edward Cole of the 9th East Surrey’s, the talented artist who produced the caricatures of battalion officers during the First World War https://orlo.uk/rAe3L Now you can discover more about Cole’s post-war design work for Ovaltine with the new Dacorum Heritage online exhibition ‘The Art of Ovaltine’ https://orlo.uk/CC6vD

Image: 1920s die-cut shop sign of the Ovaltine Maid, created by Edward Cole (courtesy of the Ovaltine Collection at Dacorum Heritage).

Surrey Infantry Museum Twinings UK

26/08/2026

For International Dog Day, we wanted to share this adorable photo of Great Dane puppies at Send Manor Kennels in the 1930s.

Gordon Stewart (1885-1952), a wealthy motor car businessman, bought Send Manor in 1921. His vision was to establish the best Great Dane kennels in England and, here, he built Swiss chalet-style kennels which housed at their peak, 500 dogs. He also set up an isolation unit and veterinary hospital. The Great Danes of Send Manor became famous for winning championships and for displays of skill and agility, while Stewart's theatre connections attracted the patronage of actors and members of the Royal Family that included Prince Albert, Duke of York (later George VI) and his brother, Prince George, Duke of Kent.

Image: Kennel girl with Great Dane puppies, from photograph album of Irene Giles who worked at Send Manor in the 1930s (10730/1)



Send and Ripley History Society

25/08/2026

We love local history research blogs and this latest one from the Guildford Dragon News features the trials and tribulations of the tricky to track down William Owen!
In 1897 Owen established The Owen Stone Company of Worplesdon, which for a short time produced artificial stone comparable to the best Portland stone.

Guildford News

21/08/2026

Uncover the rich history of movement into and out of Surrey throughout the centuries. Hosted by Surrey Local History Committee and featuring expert talks throughout the day. Tickets: £18 booked in advance at https://orlo.uk/fBkdK
Surrey Archaeological Society

20/08/2026

How did Woking secure its first county secondary schools, and what did they mean for local children?
Join Dr. Pam Mansell for an online talk exploring how national education reforms and local determination helped open up grammar school education in Woking. Discover the story behind the opening of Woking County Secondary School for Boys in 1914 and the Girls' School in 1923, and learn how Woking's experience compares with the wider development of secondary education across England.
The Woking County Secondary Schools: Opening Up a Grammar School Education for the Children of Woking, 1868–1939
Wednesday 30 September, 5.30pm–6.45pm
Online via Zoom
Tickets: £6. Please book a place at https://orlo.uk/E6QQm

19/08/2026

Join us for a rare glimpse behind the scenes at Surrey History Centre! Book your place at https://orlo.uk/ujHrn