Esher Genealogical Records

Esher Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Esher Baptism Records (1813-1834)

Records of baptism for people born in and around Esher between 1813 and 1834. Details include child's name, parents' names and date of birth and/or baptism. Records may also include parent's occupations, residence, place of origin and more.

St George, Later Christchurch, Esher Baptism Records (1813-1900)

Baptism registers document the baptism and sometimes birth of people in and around St George, Later Christchurch, Esher. They list parents' names - their occupations, residence and sometimes other details.

St George, Esher Baptism Records (1685-1686)

Baptisms records for children living in and around St George, Esher, detail the names of their parents - their occupations and residence from 1685 to 1686.

St George, Later Christchurch, Esher Baptism Records (1678-1812)

Baptisms records for children living in and around St George, Later Christchurch, Esher, detail the names of their parents - their occupations and residence from 1678 to 1812.

Esher Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St George, Esher Marriages (1754-1937)

Name index linked to original images of the marriage registers of St George, Later Christchurch, Esher. Records document marriages from 1754 to 1937. Details may include a party's age, residence, martial status, father's name and signature.

Esher Marriage Records (1701-1834)

Marriage records from people who married at Esher between 1701 and 1834. Lists an individual's abode, marital status and more.

Esher Marriages (1688-1837)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1688 and 1837.

Esher Marriages (1678-1812)

Marriage records from people who married at St George, Later Christchurch, Esher between 1678 and 1812. Lists an individual's abode, marital status, father's name, age and signature.

Esher Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Esher Burial Records (1813-1834)

Name index linked to original images of the burial registers of Esher. Records document an individual's date of death and/or burial, age residence and more.

St George, Later Christchurch, Esher Burial Records (1813-1900)

Burial registers record burials that occurred at St George, Later Christchurch, Esher. They are the primary source documenting deaths before 1837, though are useful to the present. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

St George, Esher Burial Records (1685-1686)

Burial records for people buried at St George, Esher, detail the deceased's name, residence and age from 1685 to 1686.

St George, Later Christchurch, Esher Burial Records (1678-1812)

Burial registers record burials that occurred at St George, Later Christchurch, Esher. They are the primary source documenting deaths before 1837, though are useful to the present.

Esher Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Surrey Land Tax Records (1780-1832)

An index to almost 2 million names, connected to digital images of registers recording land ownership and occupation. They list the names of owners and occupiers, details of tax assessments and sometimes a description of the property.

Surrey Hearth Tax (1664)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Jury-Qualified Freeholders & Copyholders in Surrey (1696-1824)

Lists containing over 200,000 names of men who were eligible to serve as jurors based on land possession. Digital images of the records may provide details on residence and occupation; names can be searched by an index.

Newspapers Covering Esher

South London Press (1867)

A local paper including news from the London area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

Shoreditch Observer (1857-1867)

A local paper including news from the Shoreditch area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

London Standard (1827-1900)

Original images of a local newspaper, searchable via a full text index. Includes news from the London area, business notices, obituaries, family announcements and more.

Windsor and Eton Express (1812-1846)

Local news; notices of births, marriages and deaths; business notices; details on the proceedings of public institutions; adverts and a rich tapestry of other local information from the New Windsor district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

Surrey Mirror (1880-1950)

A regional paper including news from the Surrey area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

Esher Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Archdeaconry Court of Surrey Wills & Probate (1660-1858)

A searchable index connected to images surviving wills and probate documents for the Archdeaconry Court of Surrey. These records can help trace families back to the 17th century.

Surrey+ Will Transcripts (1540-1858)

Transcripts of wills, predominately from Surrey, but also other counties in the south east. Names of 10,000s of people occurring in these wills have been indexed.

Bishop's Commissary of Winchester Wills & Probate (1507-1858)

A searchable index connected to images surviving wills and probate documents for the Commissary Court of Bishop of Winchester. These records can help trace families back to the late 15th century.

Surrey & South London Will Abstracts (1470-1856)

Summaries of names mentioned in around 29,000 wills, including relatives and witnesses.

Esher Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Esher Military Records

Surrey Recruitment Registers (1908-1933)

Transcriptions of 85,000 attestation documents for men who signed up for military service in Surrey. Records contain details on a conscripts age, place of birth, occupation, physical description and more.

Surrey WWI Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War One monuments in Surrey, with some service details.

Surrey WWII Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War Two monuments in Surrey, with some service details.

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

Surrey Electoral Registers (1832-1945)

An index to and images of registers that list the name, address and voting qualification of those registered to vote. Contains around 14.5 million entries.

Surrey Calendar of Prisoners (1848-1902)

An index to and images of calendars of prisoners presented before Quarter Sessions and Assize. They may list name, age, occupation, name of accuser, crime accused, trial date, warrant date verdict, sentence and more.

Surrey Quarter Sessions (1780-1820)

An index to 10,000s of names linked to summaries of legal proceedings relating to crimes, licencing, local administration and more.

Jury-Qualified Freeholders & Copyholders in Surrey (1696-1824)

Lists containing over 200,000 names of men who were eligible to serve as jurors based on land possession. Digital images of the records may provide details on residence and occupation; names can be searched by an index.

Surrey Licensed Victuallers (1785-1903)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registers recording public houses that were licenced to operate.

Esher Taxation Records

Surrey Land Tax Records (1780-1832)

An index to almost 2 million names, connected to digital images of registers recording land ownership and occupation. They list the names of owners and occupiers, details of tax assessments and sometimes a description of the property.

Surrey Hearth Tax (1664)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Income Tax Payments (1799-1802)

The details of income taxes paid by several thousand individuals and institutions in Surrey and Middlesex.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Esher Land & Property Records

Surrey Land Tax Records (1780-1832)

An index to almost 2 million names, connected to digital images of registers recording land ownership and occupation. They list the names of owners and occupiers, details of tax assessments and sometimes a description of the property.

Jury-Qualified Freeholders & Copyholders in Surrey (1696-1824)

Lists containing over 200,000 names of men who were eligible to serve as jurors based on land possession. Digital images of the records may provide details on residence and occupation; names can be searched by an index.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Esher Directories & Gazetteers

Kingston, Surbiton, Esher and District Directory (1930)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Surrey (1918)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Surrey (1913)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Kelly's Directory of Surrey (1911)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Kelly's Directory of Surrey (1891)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of settlement's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Esher Cemeteries

Surrey Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Surrey's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Maritime Memorials (1588-1950)

Several thousand transcribed memorials remembering those connected with the nautical occupations.

Esher Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Esher Histories & Books

Surrey Archaeological Collections (1858-2011)

A journal containing several thousand articles on all manner of structures and antiquities in the county.

Victoria County History: Surrey (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

A Topographical History of Surrey (0-1850)

A sprawling historical work, describing the county and its settlements. It contains around 1.2 million words across five volumes.

The County Churches of Surrey (1910)

A dictionary of churches in the county, with particular attention paid to architecture.

Ideal Homes (900-2000)

Histories of south-east London suburbs, supplemented with maps and photographs.

Esher School & Education Records

St Saviour's Grammar School Admissions (1690-1895)

Details of 3,600 students of a grammar school in Southwark, Surrey; now part of London. Entries include name, year of birth, birth order, date of admission, parents' names, address and a reference to original records.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Esher Occupation & Business Records

Surrey Licensed Victuallers (1785-1903)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registers recording public houses that were licenced to operate.

Surrey & London Livery Company Oath Rolls (1695-1696)

A list containing the names of almost 33,000 tradesmen who swore an oath to King William, of Orange.

South England Mines Index (1896)

Profiles of coal and metal mines in the south of England.

Lost Pubs of Surrey (1750-Present)

Short histories of former public houses, with photographs and lists of owners or operators.

British Trade Union Membership Registers (1870-1999)

An index to and images of registers recording over 3.7 million trade union members.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Esher

Victoria County History: Surrey (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Pedigrees of Surrey Families (1066-1837)

Hand-draw genealogical charts covering Surrey's gentry. Includes descriptions of coats of arms.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Esher Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Surrey (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Pedigrees of Surrey Families (1066-1837)

Hand-draw genealogical charts covering Surrey's gentry. Includes descriptions of coats of arms.

The Visitation of Surrey: 1662-68 (1000-1668)

Pedigrees compiled from a mid 17th century heraldic visitation of Surrey. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Surrey Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Surrey's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

Esher Church Records

Esher Parish Registers (1678-1812)

The parish registers of Esher are the primary source for birth, marriage and death details before civil registration (1837). A full index to names with original images of the registers are available between 1678 and 1812. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Surrey Parish Register Index with Images (1538-1812)

An index connected to original images of over 100 early Surrey parish registers. Also includes over 100 registers from Middlesex, Essex and Kent.

Surrey Parish Registers (1533-1812)

The parish registers of Surrey are the primary source for birth, marriage and death details before civil registration (1837). A full index to names with original images of the registers are available between 1533 and 1812. Parish registers can assist tracing a family as far back as 1533.

The County Churches of Surrey (1910)

A dictionary of churches in the county, with particular attention paid to architecture.

London, Middlesex & Surrey CoE Confirmation Records (1850-1921)

Confirmations are Church of England ceremonies conducted by Bishops that affirm one's commitment to the doctrines of the church. These records contain the names of those confirmed, their age, date of baptism & confirmation, address and sometimes other details. The records are indexed by name and connected to images of the original registers.

Biographical Directories Covering Esher

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Esher Maps

Maps of London & The Vicinity (1940)

Detailed maps of London and 125 other places in the vicinity.

James Wyld's Map of London and Environs (1872)

A map charting London and 25 miles round.

Surrey Ordnance Survey Maps (2011-Present)

Extremely detailed maps, charting features from roads to drains. Includes property boundaries.

Trigonometrical Map of Surrey (1874)

A map plotting settlements, roads, railways and parks.

Surrey Parish Map (1837)

A map delineating the boundaries of the counties parishes, areas designated by the church of England.

Esher Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

The village of Esher, is about eight miles on our road from Ripley, and four before we reach Kingston, on the right, in which is Esher-Place, the seat of John Spicer, Esq.; it was a Gothic structure of brick, with stone facings to the doors and windows. It was first built by Cardinal Wolsey; but Mr. Pelham rebuilt the whole (except the two towers in the body of the house, which belonged to the old building) in the same style of architecture it was before. Mr. Spicer has since pulled down another tower. The river Mole glides close by it; and there is a fine summer-house on a hill, on the left as you enter the grove, which commands a view of the house, park, and all the adjacent country. —The necessity of accommodating some of the young plantations to some large trees which grew before in the grove, has confined its variety. The grove winds along the banks of the Mole, on the side and at the foot of a very sudden ascent, the upper part of which is covered with wood. In one place it presses close to the covert, retires from it in another, and in a third stretches across a bold recess, which runs up high into the thicket. The trees sometimes overspread the flat below, sometimes leave an open space to the river, at other times crown the brow of a large knoll, climb up a steep, or hang on a gentle declivity.

These varieties in the situation, more than compensate for the want of variety in the disposition of the trees; and the many happy circumstances which concur "In Esher’s peaceful grove,

Where Kent and Nature vie for Pelham’s love,

render this little spot uncommonly agreeable."

In this parish we find Claremont, once a seat of the Duke of Newcastle, by whom, when Earl of Clare, its present name was given; on which occasion Garth wrote his poem of "Claremont," in imitation of "Cooper’s Hill."— The present edifice forms an oblong square. Besides the grand entrance hall and the great staircase, there are eight spacious rooms on the ground floor. On the principal front, a flight of thirteen steps leads to the grand entrance, under a pediment, supported by Corinthian columns. The fore front commands several fine views. The home demesne contains about 420 acres; the park, and other parts of the estate, about 1, 600 acres, in several farms. On an eminence, in the garden, a small Gothic building, erected for the Princess Charlotte, has, since her decease, been converted into a mausoleum, dedicated to her memory. It contains a fine bust of the princess, and the windows have been ornamented by some beautifully painted glass, by Backler, in Newman Street.

Claremont is still the country residence of Prince Leopold.

From the mansion, during the time this house was shewn to the public, people were directed to the pleasure-grounds, attended by a servant. At the back of the house is a pleasing vista, between two rows of luxuriant trees, whose boughs sweep the sloping- lawn. The lawn terminates with a rural cottage, intended as a music room, in front of which is a pond, bearing on its silver surface various aquatic birds. From thence a circuitous path leads to what is called the Mount; a hill of considerable elevation, clothed with shrubs and overhanging trees. On the summit is a building called Claremont, from whence the estate takes its title, as appears from an inscription on its front, bearing these words—"And Clare Mont be the name, 1715."

The New Conservatory forms a very pleasing object. From this we proceed, by circuitous paths, through the bosom of a wood, to a small and elegant Gothic mausoleum, commenced in the life-time of the princess, and since finished under the direction of her afflicted husband. Going from this spot, through paths bordered by evergreens, we suddenly view an extensive circular lake, surrounded by wood, and having in its centre an island covered with foliage, through which, it would seem, the rays of the sun can scarcely ever penetrate. —In making the circuit of this lake, your attention is directed to a little cottage, the peculiar work of the princess herself; it bears all the characteristics of rusticity, but at the same time fills the mind with an idea of perfect comfort. In this cottage resides a woman, 80 years of age, who was a favourite object of her royal highness’s bounty. This poor old creature had, with her husband, lived servant in successive families who had formerly occupied this estate: at length, worn down by age and infirmity, and unable longer to support herself by labour, she re tired to a miserable little hovel, which stood on the site of the present building, where she lived on occasional contributions from the mansion-house and the small earnings of her husband, till she attracted the notice of the late princess, who furnished her with the present cottage, and took her under her special care.

From the cottage of Dame Bewley, the visitors next proceeded by the side of the lake through a wild scene of hanging rocks, and various lawns and shrubberies, until they emerged in front of the mansion. The whole excursion occupied about two hours. The fond recollection of her who has endeared these scenes to the British heart must, to all who are capable of a refined sentiment, render a visit to Claremont a gratification of no ordinary kind.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

ESHER (A. S. AEschbath, i.e. Ash-haugh) is a parish and pretty village, situated on a hill, on the Portsmouth road, near the river Mole, with a station on the South Western railway, 4 miles south-west from Kingston, 15 from London Bridge, 2 south-west from Thames Ditton, in the Mid division of the county, Elmbridge hundred, Kingston petty sessional division, union and county court district, Emly rural deanery, Surrey archdeaconry and Winchester diocese. The village is lighted with gas by the Kingston Gas Company, and supplied with water by the Lambeth Waterworks Company. Christ Church, beautifully situated on an eminence in the centre of the village, was erected in 1853—4, at a cost of £6,654 os. 11d.; it is a cruciform building of stone, in the Early English style, from a design by Mr. Benjamin Ferrey F.S.A. architect, and consists of chancel, nave of four bays, aisles, transept, north and south porches, and a south-western tower with lofty spire, containing a clock and 6 bells: the chancel windows are stained and there is a carved stone reredos, representing the “Resurrection,” given by Robert Few esq. in memory of his wife, who died in 1878: at the west end of the church is a marble monument to Leopold, Prince of Saxe Coburg, 1st King of the Belgians, who was formerly resident at Claremont, and died 10 Dec. 1865: this monument, originally erected by H.M. Queen Victoria in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, was subsequently removed to this church: here is also a marble figure in the attitude of prayer, erected by Sir Francis Drake kt. in memory of his father, Richard Drake, Equerry to Queen Elizabeth, who died in 1603; the effigy was removed from the old church by Sir William Richard Drake kt. F.S.A. of Oatlands Lodge, Weybridge, in 1878: in the north aisle there is a handsome marble bust, in a niche of polished alabaster, executed by Mr. F. J. Williamson, of Esher, of H.R.H. Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany K.G. who died at Cannes 28th March, 1884: there are 800 sittings, 480 being free.

The old church of St. George, a small building consisting of chancel and nave, with a transept on the south side, is still standing, and contains a monument by Flaxman to the Hon. Mrs. Ellis, of Claremont, d. 1803: the altar piece, representing “Our Saviour,” was painted by Sir Robert Ker Porter K.C.H.: this church is now disused, except when burials take place in the churchyard: in the new churchyard is a memorial to the Brett family; it is entirely of marble, and consists of a large and elaborately carved canopy, beneath which are placed recumbent marble figures of the Right Hon. Lord Esher, Master of the Rolls, and Lady Esher: at the foot of the tomb is a military trophy, executed by Mr. F. J. Williamson, in memory of the Hon. Eugene Leopold Selwyn Brett, lieut. Scots Guards, d. 8 Dec. 1882, on his return from the Egyptian campaign, and here interred. The register dates from the year 1682. The living is a rectory, average tithe rent-charge £414; net yearly value £358, with half an acre of glebe, in the gift of Wad-ham College, Oxford, and held since 1870 by the Rev. Sami. Lilckendey Warren M.A. late Fellow of that college and surrogate. The Society of Friends have a meeting house here: there is also a Baptist chapel and a Wesleyan chapel, erected in 1889. Here are charities of £65 yearly value. A granite drinking fountain was presented to the village in 1877 by H.M. the Queen, in place of a disused pump, given by the late Comte de Paris: it is a handsome structure, situated on the high road near the Green, and bears an inscription. Claremont, the residence of H.R.H, the Duchess of Albany, is situated east of the village; it was originally built by Sir John Vanbrugh kt. the architect and dramatist, who held the estate in 1708; and afterwards belonged to Thomas Pelham-Holles, Duke of Newcastle and Marquess of Clare, who gave to it the name of “Claremonton his death in 1768 it was sold to Robert Clive, the conqueror of India, and first baron Clive of Plassey, who erected the present mansion at an expense of £100,000, and had the grounds laid out afresh, under the direction of Mr. Lancelot (“Capability”) Brown. The house, which stands on the crest of a hill, surrounded by fine trees, is a structure of brick, with stone dressings, and has a stately portico with columns of the Corinthian order, supporting a pediment adorned with the arms of Lord Clive. On his death, November 22, 1774, the property was sold, and was eventually purchased in 1816, by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, for a sum of £60,000, as a residence for the Princess Charlotte, on her marriage with Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg. Here, on the 6th November, 1817, the Princess died, and the estate remained vested in her husband, who became King of the Belgians in 1831, and eventually transferred all his lights in the estate to the Queen. Louis Phillippe, the exiled King of the French, occupied the house from the 4th March, 1848, until his decease, 26th August, 1850; and his Queens Marie Amalie, also died here, 24th March, 1866; both were temporarily buried in the Catholic chapel at Weybridge. The pleasure grounds attached to the house occupy about 60 acres, the park being about 300 acres in extent, and 3 ½ miles in circumference: in the grounds is a structure of freestone in the Pointed style, designed by the Princess Charlotte for an open summer house, but since Converted into a mausoleum to her memory; it has stained windows and a groined ceiling: there is also a lake of 5 acres, and an obelisk, erected as a memorial to Lord Clive. Esher Place, west of the road, and bounded by the river Mole, is now the seat of Mrs. Wigram: in the grounds stands ft castellated gateway, built by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester (1447—86), as part of a mansion of brick erected by him within the park, and once the residence of Cardinal Wolsey; the gateway, which is of three storeys, contains a number of small and dilapidated apartments, and within one of the octagonal towers is a skilfully constructed staircase of brick: the present mansion, situated on an eminence, commands extensive views on the north-east and north-west, and in the grounds is a votive urn, raised on a pedestal, which bears a memorial inscription to Mr. Henry Pelham: here also is a fine holly tree, with a girth of between 8 and 9 feet. At Sandon (or Sandown) was an hospital or priory, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, and founded in the reign of Henry II.: in 1436 it was united with the hospital of St. Thomas, Southwark. Adjoining the railway station is the Sandown Park race course, formed by a club; it covers about 150 acres: the grand stand, erected on rising ground, commands a splendid view of the whole course. The Bear Hotel here is an ancient hostelry and posting house of repute. The manor is attached to Claremont Park and belongs to H.M. the Queen. H.M. the Queen, John F. Eastwood esq. and Mrs. Wigram are chief landowners. The soil is mixed; subsoil, gravel and clay. The area is 2,044 acres of land and 50 of water; rateable value, £24,155; the population in 1881 was 1,993.

Milbourne is half a mile south: West End 1 mile west.

Schools: —

There is a Sunday school, the partial cost of which is defrayed by an endowment of about £25 yearly, left by George Petre esq. 1789.

Parochial Schools were established in 1837.

National (boys, girls & infants), built in 1859 at a cost of £2,600 & since enlarged for 400 children; average attendance, 130 boys, 110 girls & 120 infants.

National (infants), West End, built at the expense of Mrs. Baily, of Stoney hills, in memory of her husband, in 1879. for 120 children; average attendance, 45.

Kelly's Directory of Surrey (1891)

Most Common Surnames in Esher

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Elmbridge Hundred
1Carter251:800.77%32
1Bullen251:805.47%459
3Smith241:830.12%1
4Edwards231:870.50%17
5Hedger221:9110.00%961
6Foster211:951.19%91
7Brown191:1050.22%2
7White191:1050.29%5
7Davis191:1050.39%10
7Strudwick191:1055.00%562
11Clark181:1110.33%7
11Martin181:1110.38%12
13Scott161:1250.60%48
13Woolgar161:1257.51%994
15Russell151:1330.65%61
16Turner141:1420.31%19
16Currie141:14210.85%1,596
18Wells131:1530.57%64
18Bristow131:1532.13%331
20Williamson121:1661.88%317
20Steer121:1661.94%329
22Robinson111:1810.33%28
22Hill111:1810.29%21
22Tickner111:1811.94%360
22Sillem111:18168.75%9,272
26Wright101:1990.21%13
26Fisher101:1990.52%80
26Atkinson101:1991.57%318
26Weller101:1990.99%181
26Bowler101:1993.97%849
26Claydon101:1995.52%1,167
26Woodams101:19971.43%10,238
33Walker91:2210.29%34
33King91:2210.17%8
33Price91:2210.50%88
33Thomson91:2212.17%516
33Stevens91:2210.28%31
33Mann91:2210.95%197
33Peters91:2210.78%148
33Hobson91:2215.59%1,305
33Waite91:2213.10%735
33Langford91:2213.19%757
33Farr91:2212.65%624
33Stanford91:2212.84%667
33Mundy91:2214.74%1,111
33Lilly91:2217.50%1,710
33Ede91:2211.62%370
33Brittle91:22125.71%5,079
49Jones81:2490.09%3
49Harris81:2490.17%14
49Webb81:2490.27%37
49Heath81:2490.73%160
49Draper81:2491.75%459
49Aldridge81:2491.65%433
49Everett81:2491.62%425
49Nightingale81:2491.80%477
49Parton81:24923.53%5,213
49Trollope81:24915.38%3,639
49Noake81:24940.00%7,904
49Bedser81:24934.78%7,073
49Westcote81:24988.89%14,352
62Green71:2850.15%18
62Clarke71:2850.26%47
62Collins71:2850.19%23
62Reid71:2851.05%294
62Saunders71:2850.28%56
62Francis71:2850.58%143
62Hewitt71:2851.20%350
62Griffin71:2850.87%240
62Carpenter71:2850.58%138
62Hickman71:2853.43%1,038
62Blackman71:2851.19%347
62Hine71:2853.59%1,084
62Lovegrove71:2854.61%1,376
62Boughton71:2855.51%1,613
62Adair71:28536.84%8,212
62Langstone71:28538.89%8,554
62Stovell71:2855.07%1,518
62Howlet71:28530.43%7,073
62Smelt71:28550.00%10,238
62Pyett71:28531.82%7,333
62Salcombe71:285100.00%17,617
62Frish71:28577.78%14,352
84Young61:3320.19%33
84Hunt61:3320.22%46
84Hodgson61:3321.48%530
84Lambert61:3320.57%169
84Pratt61:3320.65%200
84Kent61:3320.59%178
84Underwood61:3320.96%327
84Bacon61:3321.12%389
84Pitt61:3321.34%473
84Batchelor61:3320.92%306
84Tasker61:3325.45%1,886
84Glass61:3324.38%1,528
84Collis61:3321.85%651
84Clift61:33210.17%3,254
84Laker61:3322.53%895
84Cobley61:33214.29%4,371
84Clerk61:33215.79%4,735
84Bounds61:33233.33%8,554
84Weber61:33218.18%5,345
84Welland61:3325.08%1,750
84Martineau61:33227.27%7,333
84Higinbotham61:332100.00%19,994
84Yearley61:33254.55%12,297
84Allryde61:332100.00%19,994
84Bedsen61:332100.00%19,994
109Taylor51:3990.06%4
109Richardson51:3990.24%72
109Lane51:3990.32%103
109Lawrence51:3990.27%86
109Knowles51:3990.98%408
109Blake51:3990.38%127
109Howell51:3990.62%237
109Logan51:3993.82%1,579
109Eastwood51:3995.75%2,312
109Hardman51:3997.04%2,776
109Grove51:3991.62%692
109Hawley51:3994.67%1,949
109Ling51:3992.16%917
109Symes51:3993.97%1,632
109Stedman51:3991.17%497
109Irons51:3995.75%2,312
109Winchester51:3994.17%1,710
109Briant51:3993.94%1,613
109Pottinger51:39914.29%5,079
109Lambeth51:3997.69%2,979
109Branton51:39916.67%5,786
109Dewdney51:3995.21%2,129
109Vallis51:39914.29%5,079
109Bartholemew51:39912.50%4,555
109Spreadborough51:3998.06%3,118
109Hallott51:399100.00%23,071
109Dogwell51:399100.00%23,071
109Sapsted51:399100.00%23,071
109Chilsman51:399100.00%23,071
138Cooper41:4980.09%14
138Cook41:4980.12%27
138Wilkinson41:4980.33%140
138Fowler41:4980.44%204
138Hammond41:4980.28%115
138Kemp41:4980.38%169
138Bruce41:4981.16%610
138Dickinson41:4981.30%698
138Waters41:4980.57%277
138Peacock41:4980.73%379
138Hodges41:4980.72%372
138Sewell41:4980.81%427
138Cain41:4983.17%1,632
138East41:4981.21%643
138Hibbert41:4982.52%1,325
138Pollock41:4983.45%1,787
138Dawes41:4980.94%502
138Ambrose41:4982.52%1,325
138Denham41:4982.50%1,319
138Hooker41:4980.93%490
138Hayden41:4983.15%1,613
138Fairweather41:49811.43%5,079
138Messenger41:4981.67%883
138Philpott41:4982.99%1,552
138Baily41:4982.19%1,156
138Erskine41:49840.00%13,208
138Back41:4982.72%1,421
138Wooldridge41:4983.64%1,886
138Cheesman41:4981.55%823
138Quinton41:4982.33%1,230
138Denby41:4983.60%1,870
138Witts41:49812.50%5,497
138Adlam41:4989.76%4,456
138Baverstock41:4984.71%2,369
138Stuckey41:49815.38%6,449
138Glazier41:4983.25%1,674
138Dodman41:4984.88%2,450
138Remnant41:4983.23%1,662
138Hardey41:49821.05%8,212
138Goodin41:49840.00%13,208
138Pets41:49811.11%4,955
138Yearly41:498100.00%26,895
138Sagg41:498100.00%26,895
138Peacley41:498100.00%26,895
182Hughes31:6640.17%89
182Miller31:6640.11%44
182Barker31:6640.21%111
182Barnes31:6640.13%62
182Cole31:6640.14%66
182Cross31:6640.32%199
182Long31:6640.25%144
182Arnold31:6640.23%125
182Hicks31:6640.39%258
182Gale31:6640.40%261
182Harwood31:6640.46%299
182Humphrey31:6640.37%230
182Ingham31:6643.90%2,584
182Wheatley31:6640.78%556
182Masters31:6640.81%577
182Clifton31:6641.12%801
182Tilley31:6640.89%630
182Guthrie31:6644.69%3,021
182Cutler31:6640.98%698
182Booker31:6640.73%522
182Herring31:6641.20%852
182New31:6641.11%788
182Boxall31:6640.37%236
182Cheeseman31:6640.76%547
182Dowson31:6647.89%4,735
182Shepperd31:6643.16%2,145
182Hazel31:6644.69%3,021
182Game31:6642.46%1,684
182Corbet31:66417.65%8,888
182Wesson31:66412.50%6,849
182Locker31:66417.65%8,888
182Cheek31:6644.55%2,945
182Buckett31:6644.23%2,776
182Dedman31:6642.61%1,800
182Hooks31:66433.33%14,352
182Willshire31:66410.34%5,954
182Becker31:6645.56%3,530
182Trodd31:6646.67%4,119
182Copus31:6643.66%2,450
182Silby31:66418.75%9,272
182Freebody31:6649.09%5,345
182Smallpiece31:6644.48%2,912
182Bendy31:66437.50%15,757
182Maydon31:66475.00%26,895
182Steiner31:66425.00%11,502
182McBright31:664100.00%31,466
182Jux31:66415.00%7,904
182Dewdny31:664100.00%31,466
182Bryte31:664100.00%31,466
182Mosum31:664100.00%31,466