Surrey Through The Ages

Historical highlights

c1598

A 59-year-old coroner, John Derrick, gives evidence in court, describing a game of “creckett” in Guildford in the 1550s. His testimony is the earliest mention of the sport in print. Mathematician and writer Ada Lovelace begins living at Sandown House in Esher. She is recognised today as a computing pioneer.

1878

The first custom-built crematorium in the country is built in Woking. It is still a working crematorium today.

1889

Shah Jahan Mosque opens in Woking. It remains the oldest purpose-built Muslim place of worship in Britain.

1911

Composer and suffragette Ethel Smyth, while living in Hook Heath, writes “No Vote, No Census” across her census schedule.

1916

Men of the 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment kick footballs as they charge toward enemy trenches during the first morning of the Somme.

1926

A nationwide search begins when Agatha Christie’s car is found abandoned near Guildford. One newspaper suggests she may have adopted a disguise.

1959

Singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl, famous for hits such as A New England, They Don’t Know, Days and Fairytale of New York, is born in Croydon.