Overview

Bletchingley and The Grange, A Pictorial and Social History of a Quintessentially English Village 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. Discover previously unpublished material, including a WWII diary and photographs from family archives. This revised, enhanced and updated edition contains new photographs, listings, information and stories that capture the drama of significant historical events in fresh, compelling detail. An index of illustrations and news headlines has been added. Now with over 450 illustrations including beautifully crafted charts of the Descent and History of the Manor of Blechingley. Forty vintage black and white photographs have been masterfully colourised and brought to life by the author, while others have been sympathetically restored, contrasting with his contemporary photographs. A beautifully detailed pictorial history of Bletchingley's historic properties, institutions, businesses and inhabitants; from manor house and castle to farm and shop, from hospital to workhouse. Showcased through the work of many eminent photographers, artists and locals. Detailed stories of Bletchingley's residents: famous, infamous and workaday, such as eminent doctors, parlourmaids, masters of the hunt, postmen, engineers, farmers and lords of the manor. 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. Bletchingley's artists, actors, airmen, soldiers, sailors, doctors, nurses, teachers, missionaries, matrons, masters, farmers, bailiffs, gentry, rectors, rat-catchers, sportsmen, postmen, postmasters, postmistresses, parlourmaids, publicans, photographers, painters, politicians, drapers, grocers, grainers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, basket makers, builders, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers.

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9781739254995

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Reviews

The history of Blechingley is briefly 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. My wife and I have lived in Bletchingley for many years. Throughout we have thoroughly appreciated its diversity and history. This book portrays in carefully researched detail the rich tapestry of a village at the heart of Britain. Historians in the years to come will find much in these pages. Rt Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway PC David McCleave's Blechingley and The Grange was a groundbreaking contribution to local history when it appeared last year. The profusion and quality of the images embraced modern publishing techniques to an astonishing degree. David worked tirelessly in pursuing the history of a very special parish and the result was a triumph. I welcome this updated version as a testimony to the author's industry and passion for incomparable Blechingley. Roger Packham, author and Chairman of The Bourne Society, Surrey, regarded as the largest local history society in England This book is the result of many hours research and interviews with local people. It is an accurate and fascinating account of this historic village, once a borough with two members of parliament. Bringing the history up to date with stories about WWII secret agents and a pigeon which made its last flight on D-Day 1944, carrying a secret coded message. Read the book for an insight into history. David Martin, past chairman Bletchingley Parish Council, Bletchingley Conservation and Historical Society and Bletchingley United Charities

The history of Blechingley is briefly 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, n�e Lambert, DCVO, JP - Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey from 1997 to 2015. My wife and I have lived in Bletchingley for many years. Throughout we have thoroughly appreciated its diversity and history. This book portrays in carefully researched detail the rich tapestry of a village at the heart of Britain. Historians in the years to come will find much in these pages. Rt Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway PC David McCleave's Blechingley and The Grange was a groundbreaking contribution to local history when it appeared last year. The profusion and quality of the images embraced modern publishing techniques to an astonishing degree. David worked tirelessly in pursuing the history of a very special parish and the result was a triumph. I welcome this updated version as a testimony to the author's industry and passion for incomparable Blechingley. Roger Packham, author and Chairman of The Bourne Society, Surrey, regarded as the largest local history society in England This book is the result of many hours research and interviews with local people. It is an accurate and fascinating account of this historic village, once a borough with two members of parliament. Bringing the history up to date with stories about WWII secret agents and a pigeon which made its last flight on D-Day 1944, carrying a secret coded message. Read the book for an insight into history. David Martin, past chairman Bletchingley Parish Council, Bletchingley Conservation and Historical Society and Bletchingley United Charities

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