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Thursley Horticultural Society has long been of importance in the village. According to records in the 1923 Parish Magazine, it was formed after a very successful Flower Show to “carry on the good work”. Various local dignitaries stood for election, and votes were counted while a musical programme, in the hands of Mr Lionel Rapley, played. The results of the election were that General Sir Joscelyn Wodehouse became President. The Treasurer was Mr J.H. Belcher and Secretary Mr H. Swallow. The committee comprised of Miss Lutyens, Mrs Blogg, Rev L.C. Wilkinson, Messrs Blogg, F. Fosberry. Hoare, T.Karn, L. Rapley. Robertson and H. Sharland. Many names that we recognise today! The Society went from strength to strength and played a central part in village life – with social events, fetes and farming as well as two or three shows a year shows being at the core. Between the wars and up until the 1950s there are records of long lunches, afternoon teas and evening dances following shows beginning at 5 o’clock! Events such as chicken plucking and tug of war were common place. Interestingly, the shows for a long while had different classes for those who in the village who had a gardener and those who did not – a social comment in itself. As travel, and the reasons to travel, were quite different from today, social life in Thursley was punctuated by the various events organised by the committee, as recorded in our minute books and through photographs and newspaper articles. Highlights over recent years have been the two Gardeners Question Time programmes made very successfully in the village hall by the BBC. Talks and visits have become and important part of the calendar, and the plant sales which were also in the village hall. Open Gardens in 2022 and 2023 have proved a huge success and shown what wonderful gardens, and gardeners, we have in Thursley. Recent years have seen the Society’s numbers fall and then rise again. There is a lot of support in the village for the Thursley Horticultural Society now, though we still look for committee members to reach the numbers of the 1923 committee! From an undated newspaper clipping. In 2023, the Society celebrated its centerary with the publication of this booklet which can be obtained by the Society: Contact Thursley Horticultural Society through email: thursleyhortsoc@hotmail.co.uk or find our Facebook page. The following contemporary photographs are courtesy Valérie Ferris (VF), Andrew Kaplanovsky (AK) and Sean Edwards (SE): Plant sale in 2019 (VF) Autumn Show 2019 (AK) Autumn Show 2022 (AK) Spring Show 2023 (VF) Spring Show 2023 (AK) Celebrating 100 years of the Society at Lower House The following photographs of the 100 years event are by Sean Edwards: Open Garden, June 2023 Spring Show, 13th April, 2024 Mrs Nicky Cornell receiving the Marshall-Hall Plate from President Patricia Coles Autumn Show, September 2024 Photographs from Patricia Clake, Adam Gardner and Tim Walsh

Miss Aileen Lutyens, Edwin's sister, with her pony and dog. She always wore purple tweed according to Mary Bennett. She ran a boys' club as she felt they needed purpose. She was also the choir mistress. Mrs Fisher also started a choir and Miss Lutyens "contributed a penetrating alto". The choir won a certificate at the Dorking Festival. Aileen Lutyens (c. late 1800s – 1926)  was a member of the prominent Lutyens family who became a well-known and active figure in the village of Thursley during the early decades of the twentieth century. She was one of the daughters of Captain Charles Augustus Henry Lutyens , a soldier-turned-painter, and Mary Theresa Gallwey , and the younger sister of the celebrated architect Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens . The family lived at a large country house in Thursley known in its later years as Street House  (then “The Cottage”), and Aileen remained there long after her parents’ deaths. In the 1920s, Aileen was remembered by villagers as a brisk, capable and benevolent presence in the community, someone who “dominated the Thursley scene.” She was deeply involved in local social life: helping to establish the fledgling choral society, contributing her rich alto voice, and playing a key role in securing Thursley’s first Village Hall — a large army hut that became the focus for social gatherings for decades. She was also a founder member of the local Women’s Institute, and took a keen interest in fostering activities that would occupy and guide the village’s youth. One of her own initiatives, remembered fondly by residents, was running a kind of social club aimed at keeping young boys constructively engaged and away from aimless drifting. Aileen’s influence extended beyond social clubs and cultural activities — she typified the spirit of village leadership in that era. She was regarded as someone who helped knit the community together through support for local institutions and events, and through her personal engagement in Thursley’s civic and social life. Aileen Lutyens died in 1926, and her death marked the end of an era in which members of the Lutyens family had been central figures in the village’s life. She is buried in the churchyard of St Michael's & All Angels, where there is a stone cross designed by her brother, Sir Edwin Lutyens , bearing the names of their parents Charles and Mary Lutyens  and his sister Aileen Lutyens .

Photographs only: see separate entries for: Street House; Wheelers Farm; Opening of Wheelers Farm Granary; Wild Goose; The Lodge; Boxalls; Vine Cottage; Sunset Cottage; Prospect Cottage; Streetfield; Little Green; A Walk Through Old Thursley: * denotes separate entry. HATCH COTTAGE Hatch Cottage, the extension was built on for the Hacks. According to Ann Levy there had been a village shop at the other end No 1 and No 2 Hatch Cottages. Surnames of previous owners include: No 1 - Court; Williams; Knight; Thompson; Dupont; Knight - No 2 - Court; Hack; Hockley; Campbell; Ashley; Boyd Bert and Nellie Williams outside No 1 Hatch Cottages Hatch Cottages were sold in 1952 as part of the break-up of the Cosford Estate. The entries below are from the auction catalogue. THE COTTON HOUSE, formerly RACKS CLOSE Racks Close is an unmade road on the left immediately after Hatch Cottages Racks Close in the early 1990s It has now been extensively modernised and renamed 'The Cotton House'. View from Racks Close from a postcard posted in 1910. The two large deciduous trees are no longer there and on the left is the granary of Hill Farm Barns, then Hill Farm House, The Old Parsonage, HatchCottages and St Michael & All Angels. Sisterly angst on the rear of the postcard! THE LODGE* Wheelwrights and The Street. John Goble and his wife moved to Wheelwrights in Thursley in 1902 to become the village blacksmith and wheelwright. Cruiser Mk IV tanks of 5th Royal Tank Regiment, 3rd Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, drive down The Street in July 1940 WHEELWRIGHTS* Wheelwrights (HM Land Registry Map below) Mr Goble and son Robert Jean and Arthur Moss Sale particulars in September 2025: https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/the-street-thursley-godalming-surrey-gu8-6qf/gld150270 SUNSET COTTAGE* WILD GOOSE* PROSPECT (formerly THE INSTITUTE)* THE GRANARY, WHEELERS FARM* WHEELERS FARM* LITTLE GREEN STREET HOUSE*

Linked as they so often appear together in photographs: Brook Cottage and Horn Cottage 1900. As you can see Red Lodge had not yet been built. Brook Cottage had been the workhouse and in 1841, 30 people were living there. Horn Cottage 1950 shows its back garden when Charles and Betty Weeden lived there. In times gone by, it was a pub called 'The Horns' . Rear of Horn Cottage, c 1965. previous surnames of owners include: Partington; Weeden; Brown; Newman; Chapman Brook Cottage is a symmetrical “Cottage Ornee”, built of stone with brick quoins, clay roof tiles and with thin drip mouldings above the windows.  The style is of a 17th century central chimney house but the house is not timber-framed and would seem to be of a late 18th century rebuild on an earlier site. The cottage was The Poor House and in the 1861 census there were twenty-six occupants of whom eight were aged over 80 years! Two loft openings were made from the original bedrooms in 1980 and chalk dates showing “1851” were found on the chimney base.  Considerable quantities of straw and other debris were lying on and between the rafters perhaps indicating a previous thatched roof. During excavations in 1994 a clay bottle was unearthed from a hole at the side of the brook and has been dated between 15th and 16th centuries, possibly confirming earlier occupation the site. The cottage was extended in the 1970s and again more considerably in 1894 when the old staircase was removed and new stairs installed to give access to both the original bedrooms in the old cottage and the new rooms at the rear of the enlarged structure. The present owners, Alison and Peter Anderson and family, have lived in the Cottage since 1978. June 1997  June 1997

Cosford House estate is an historic property dating back many centuries and it included several properties such as Cosford House, Cosford Mill, and various cottages.  The name Cosford is believed to be derived from the Old English words "cōs," meaning a choice or election, and "ford," referring to a river crossing. It is presumed that the estate was named due to its location near a significant crossing on the River Wey. The first documented reference to Cosford House dates back to the 13th century when it was mentioned in a landholding document. See also Sale of the Cosford Estate, June 1952 From Historic England: In the medieval period, Cosford House was owned by the de Thurmarsh family, who were prominent landowners in the area. The estate remained in their possession for several generations until it changed hands through marriage in the 14th century. Over the following centuries, the ownership of the estate continued to pass between various families, including the Albury, Bray, and Evelyn families, who were all prominent figures in English society. In the 17th century, Cosford House underwent a significant transformation when it was purchased by Sir John Evelyn. Sir John was a renowned diarist, horticulturist, and author, best known for his invaluable work in the field of arboriculture. He extensively renovated the hall and its surrounding gardens, turning it into one of the most luxurious and impressive estates in the region. Sir John Evelyn's influence is still evident in the estate today, with remnants of his exquisite garden designs and landscaping. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Cosford House continued to thrive under the stewardship of various owners. The estate saw numerous additions and improvements, including the construction of additional outbuildings, such as stables, a chapel, and farm buildings. The hall and its grounds became renowned for their grandeur and elegance, drawing visitors from far and wide. In the early 20th century, Cosford House faced a period of decline as the estate's owners faced financial difficulties. The estate was bought by the trustees of Robert May's School in Odiham in 1913, and the archives of the school record their stewardship of the farm and its relations with tenants. However, this endeavour was not to last and the school closed in the mid-20th century.  In 1952 the estate was broken up into 25 lots at an auction held in Guildford (see Sale of the Cosford Estate). Colonel Philip (W.P.H.) Rushbrooke and his wife, Hilda photographed in the early 1930s. Hilda sold the estate on the death of Philip in 1951 and went to live on the coast. The estate was very impoverished as such low rents were charged. Hilda Rushbrooke, who was Irish, and unfortunately stone deaf. We believe she married Philip in the early 1930s. In more recent years, the estate changed hands several times, with different owners attempting to restore the former glory of Cosford House. Numerous restoration and preservation projects have taken place to ensure that the hall and its surrounding gardens maintain their historical significance. Today, Cosford House remains a private residence and is not open to the public. About 1900, no climbers visible on the house. According to the rate book of 1854, Cosford Estate was owned by Colonel George William Eyres. The rate book of 1870 lists Miss Rushbrooke as the owner. Cosford House in the 1920s with the creeper on the house. Captain Rushbrooke is listed in the rate book of 1884 but may have been here earlier. The staff at Cosford House in the late 1920s. Philip Rushbrooke took over the estate on the death of his father. Pageant at Cosford House in the late 1920's

Placards in the village hall. From The Mail On Sunday, April 2023, 1989. A fancy dress parade was held to celebrate winning in 1960: Michael Jupe, Chairman of Thursley Parish Council and Lord Hamilton of Dalzell - Best Kept village presentation. September 1961 Dick Winter receiving a tankard from Lord Hamilton of Dalzell. Best Kept Village presentation, September 1961 Best Kept Village Celebrations at the Cricket Green, 1961. Back Row: C Cooper, B Ashley, J Ellison, Watson, Craddock-Henry, R Crawfurd, ?, Dick Winter, J Bozward, K Guyatt. Front Row: M Rapley, C Darlow, W Cooper, L Cooper, R Loarridge, M Cooper The 1970s: 1985: Unveiling Best Kept Village Award, 1985 Two groups attending the Best Kept Village Award, 1985, and in the centre, Major Brian Camp, Chairman of Thursley Parish Council with Mrs Guyatt, late of Hedge Farm. Best kept village Hall award ceremony 19?, Peter Scheffers, Eddy Gale, Brian Camp

Photographs only of this Grade II listed property (9th March 1960) in The Lane. The house was lived in by Russell Brockbank and his wife, Eileen, from 1951 to 1978 (see also two entries for Brockbank). Badgers, April 2025 Surnames of previous owners include: Wade; Brockbank; Collins. A view from the garden of Badgers, c 1980/90

Thursley Institute , now Prospect Cottage, was originally built as a working men’s club. The Parish register states – ‘the site for the institute was given by Captain H Rushbrooke, the architect was Sir Edwin Lutyens , the builder was Mr W K Fosberry. The building was formally opened and given to the Parish Council on February 11th, 1901’. Captain Rushbrooke paid for much of the building itself and took a paternal interest in the running of the club. Reg Fosberry gave Thursley History Society one of the original Lutyens architectural drawings, as shown below, now in their Archives. The Institute with The Lodge in the distance The   Institute comprised a reading room, a billiards and games room and accommodation for the caretaker. Until 1914 one of the bedrooms was used by the Thursley Parish Nurse. The institute was disbanded in 1959 and was sold for residential use in 1968. The, then, conditions of sale included an interesting clause, presumably inherited from the rules of the institute, forbidding the purchaser to use the building for the ‘discussion of political or religious subjects ….or for the consumption of intoxicating liquors’ . Prospect Cottage, 1988. Surnames of previous owners include: Goble; La Mare; Jones; Richmond Prospect Cottage 1997 Barbara Richmond in 1997; and with neighbour, James Maclean, in May 2003. She lived in Prospect Cottage for many years, was an actress and her husband was involved in the theatre. She trained dogs for the blind for many years and is pictured here with two of her guide dogs that she demonstrated with.

From John Betjeman's Guide to English Parish Churches: "Pre-Conquest windows were discovered during aggressive restoration by Ferry in 1860; a triangular recess in the chancel has been interpreted as a Saxon oven for baking wafers. The nave is dominated by the timber cage supporting an impressive 15th-century wooden bell-turret" Memories of Revd H Gordon French, Vicar of Thursley 1932 - 1959 St Michael & All Angels: A Brief Guide From a leaflet originally compiled by the Revd A W Mills, Vicar 1959 - 1968 and revised in 1980 A Short Guide to The Parish Church of St Michael And All Angels An undated 6 page leaflet by Alan Bott, OBE, MA, FSA The interior of the Church before the installation of the organ and still with oil lamps The front of the Church before it was extended. The interior photograph of the Church shows the Gallery The West side of the Church Thursley Church, 1938 The illustration of the Church above comes from pages of a book held by Surrey Archeological Collections and reproduced in the pdf below 18th Century Table Tombs: "One of Thursley's landmarks, the large well-known old horse chestnut tree, at the Parish Church, fell victim to the gale on Monday evening (14th November 1977). Canon John Stevens, the vicar, said it was a miracle the tree did not fall the other way as it could have hit the church or it could have crashed on one of the cottages by the church. As it was, "it laid itself nicely across the road, blocking it." The church gate and a section of boundary wall have been damaged. The tree, thought to have been one of the largest horse chestnuts in Surrey, is referred to in tourist guide books and also has a brief mention in the Thursley Church Guide Book published in the 1960s which suggests it was 250 years old. Many years ago it was subject to tree surgery with iron rods holding the trunk together. These rods were made at the Elstead Forge by the late Guy Bovington, his daughter Mrs G Hewitt recollects. Many old Thursley residents and others, were sad to learn about the end of the tree under which, said one resident, "generations of Thursley have passed to worship in the church and for weddings, christenings and funerals". Picture shows Mr Otto Jaenicke who is over six foot tall and Miss A Ayres beside the roots of the fallen giant chestnut. Extract taken from The Herald of Friday, November 18th 1977 This is a link to the Church's website: https://parishesofetsph.org.uk/about-us/st-michael-and-all-angels-church/

The church was re-shingled with chestnut tiles from France in September 1986. The steeplejack was Mr Harknett. This was found during the re-shingling

When preparing for the Wedding Belles exhibition (see separate entry) in 2008, this list of the vicars of St Michael and All Angels was compiled to coincide with the dates covered by the exhibition. To this distinguished list must be added: 2010 John Jeremy Page 2020 Hannah Thérèse Moore Work in progress, so this is just the beginning of entries about our vicars: Francis Harcourt Gooch, 1886-1901 Bill from R B Stedman, Bookseller, to Revd F H Gooch, June 30, 1898 The Revd F H Gooch at Dye House, 1918 Alfred Perceval Pott 1901 - 1907 Charles Kaye Watson, 1914 - 1918 C K Watson was vicar of Thursley throughout the First World War. Here is a letter to parishioners that was in the Parish Magazine: Addison James Wheeler, 1925 - 1932 From Durham University The Addison Wheeler Fellowships are funded by a bequest from Addison James Wheeler, who died in 1967 at the age of eighty-five. Having read Theology at Durham University, Wheeler became a schoolmaster and afterwards took Holy Orders. Ill health prevented him from achieving his ambition of a career in scientific research. During his lifetime this remarkable man devoted himself to building up sufficient capital to support young scholars, whom he hoped would be able to make a significant contribution to knowledge that he himself had been unable to achieve. As reported above, the Vicarage suffered a terrible fire in 1930. Unfortunately some church records were destroyed in the blaze as the vicar had taken them home having removed them from the church safe. Revd Wheeler was responsible for uncovering the 12th Century sedile ( a group of stone seats for clergy in the south chancel wall of a church, usually three in number and often canopied and decorated, OED ) in the church and for discovering in 1927 the Saxon windows in the chancel. After the fire, the Revd Wheeler bought the Haybarn field at Smallbrook Farm and converted a yard and barn used for the cattle and known as "The Hovel" into a bungalow, which then got rebuilt by Paul Wedge. Sadly, the Revd Wheeler could not stay due to his asthma induced by the cattle. He had to sell and move away. He and his wife divorced and he left the ministry. Mary Bennett said that he ran off with his ward. He was vicar of Thursley from 1925 - 1932. H Gordon French, 1932-1959 The Revd French with Mrs Lettice Fisher Dedication of Mothers' Union Banner Memories of H Gordon French Kenneth Mathews, 1968 -1977 This memoir of Revd A K Mathews, OBE, DSC, was based largely on an obituary in The Daily Telegraph and an article in the Thursley Parish Magazine of February 1993. It also appears in The Lives of the People of Thursley, published by the History of Thursley Society, which can be found on this website. Not mentioned in the article is that he was the progenitor of the Thursley Harvest Supper in 1972 which has recently been resurrected. The complete article can be downloaded from this pdf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Mathews https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-the-rev-kenneth-mathews-1564982.html A John Stephens, 1977 - 1983 From the Church Times : STEPHENS.  — On 13 October, the Revd (Archibald) John Stephens: CMS Missionary (1950-52); Manager and Chaplain of Ado-Ekiti Hospital (1950-55); Priest-in-Charge of CMS Training Centre, Akure (1955-56); E.T.C., St John’s College, Owo (1956-59); Principal of Bishop Phillips Hall, Owo (1958-60); Hon. Can of St Stephen’s Cathedral, Ondo-Benin (1957-71); Assistant Curate, of Christ Church and St Mary, Swindon (1968-70); Hon. Canon of Owerri since 1971; Curate-in-Charge of Ash Vale Conventional District (1971-72); Vicar of St Mary’s, Ash Vale (1972-77); Priest-in-Charge of Thursley (1977-82); aged 100. The Advertiser, July 16, 1982 Order of Service for the Revd Stevens is complete in the pdf below: William David Lang 1992 - 2010 John Jeremy Page 2010-2020 https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/6-march/features/features/ordination-would-i-do-it-again-no Hannah Thérèse Moore 2020 - https://parishesofetsph.org.uk/team-members/rev-hannah-moore/ Here is a complete list of Rectors, Vicars and Patrons from a photograph taken in the Church:

The history of Bowlhead Green dates back to the 16th century when it was a small hamlet. The village was named after a local landowner, John Bowlhead, who owned a large estate in the area. https://earth.google.com/web/@51.1398953,-0.68751104,112.63724356a,4518.48894138d,35y,72.17247331h,0t,0r/data=OgMKATA Listed buildings and conservation area. A view of the Chapel taken from Corner Cottage in the early 1920s. Holly Cottage, formerly Yew Cottage can be seen. It belonged to Heath Hall, the estate of the Yalden Knowles and used to be two cottages. A view of "Timbers", which used to be two cottages. The Gale family once lived in the right hand side, which had two bedrooms. The Walkers lived in the left hand side. Timbers A view of Forge Cottage which dates from the 16th Century and an anvil stands outside as a memento of the forge site. Forge Cottage was the home of the Gale family from 1932 to 1938. Miss Fulford built the extension for the Gale family. The little shed housed the engine for the pump of the well of Corner Cottage. A group by Bowlhead Green's village seat taken in the late 1930s. On the left is Margaret (Mag) Gale and Bill Cooper who married her. He was Parish Clerk from 1948 to 1983. He was also responsible for the Thor sign. On the right are friends of theirs from London. The oldest part of Emley Farmhouse which can bee seen on the right hand side. It was a four-bay timber framed house with many characteristics of immediately post-medieval period called the smoke bay period, i.e. 1550 - 1590. The house featured in an episode of "Foyle's War". Emley Farmhouse in the early 1920s. The wisteria on the front can be seen and the bay tree on the left. It was lived in by Colonel and Mrs Vesey. Mrs Vesey was the daughter of the Loring family who lived at Emley from the early 1800s. The Veseys lived at Emley until 1929. Emley Hill House in the 1980s Emley Hill House, Bowlhead Green, 1990's The herbaceous border of Emley Farmhouse which once boasted the best garden in Surrey. Unfortunately, in 1948 it was let to Mr Pentcheff, a Bulgarian diplomat. He completely ruined the garden by allowing poultry, ducks and pigs to free range. Emley Farmhouse showing the chimney from the bread oven. The bread oven is one of the best preserved and has an iron door hinged at the bottom. The building on the right was built to house. a pair of mongoose given to the Lorings in 1914. The barns at Emley Farm. The extensive farm buildings show that in the past a traditional mix of arable and pasture farming was practised. The driveway of Emley Farm leading to the garage and cart shed, the old granary can also be seen. Chapel Cottage was a former Congregational Chapel which became residential in 1906 Holly Tree Cottage Painting of Holly Tree Cottage by Helen Allingham (1848 - 1926) Soldiers from the Royal West Surrey Regiment resting in Bowlhead Green with Holly Tree Cottage in the background Ian and Gill Mclellan, Blackhanger Farm, 1996 Blackhanger Farm in the 1980s Tom and Grace Ranson, Bowlhead Green Farm, 1997 Ian and Aly Warner, The Old Post House, 1997 Emley Hill House and its garden (below), 1997 Robin Hill The Clockhouse, 2024 with sales particulars below https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/bowlhead-green-godalming-surrey-gu8/GLD012219749 Greenacres Halnaker Hall, Bowlhead Green (Hall's Cottage) Lower House Video from when the house was put on the market in January 2026: https://thecountryhousedepartment.com/properties/lower-house-bowlhead-green/