Haslemere Blue Plaques - Haslemere Society

ABOUT THE SCHEME

The Haslemere Blue Plaque scheme was re-introduced by the Society in 2007. The scheme commemorates important people who have lived in the town as well as significant historical events or communities who have contributed to the town’s rich history.
Haslemere's rich cultural heritage means that there are many eligible candidates for new plaques although one of the challenges we face is that many of our best known former residents lived in large houses which are out of sight and in areas with limited public access. In establishing criteria for our plaques which celebrate individuals, we have broadly followed the rules of the London scheme.

Blue Plaque Map Haslemere 2026

Map and Index of BLUE PLAQUES in Haslemere (2025)

Arnold & Carl Dolmetsch, Grayswood Road

Arthur Conan Doyle, Author, Undershaw, Hindhead

George Eliot, Writer, Liphook Road

Sir Archibald Geikie, Geologist, Hill Road

Green Bushes Weaving House, Foundry Lane

The Haslemere Riot, Town Hall

Robert Lochner, Inventor, Linchmere Road

William Cecil Marshall, Hindhead Road

John Wornham Penfold, Surveyor & Architect, Sandrock

Red Cow Inn, Petworth Road

Walter Tyndale, Artist, Hill Road

Josiah Wood Whymper & Edward Whymper, High Street

Ron Reynolds Footballer. Lion Lane

Field Marshal Montgomery

Squadron Leader Melvin ‘Dinghy’ Young

Sir Jonathan Hutchinson F.R.S.
Surgeon, Natural Scientist, and founder of The Haslemere Educational Museum
Unveiling of the Blue Plaque at Inval House on Saturday 2nd May

Haslemere’s Educational Museum exists because of the vision of one man a 138 years ago - Sir Jonathan Hutchinson. Commemorating his philanthropy, plus a distinguished career as a surgeon and scientist, his former home, Inval House, received a Blue Plaque on Saturday through the initiative of Chris Harrison, chairman of The Haslemere Society. Among the guests at the plaque unveiling were Mayor Jean Arrick, Jilly Storey Co-Chair of the Museum and Jane Clayton great granddaughter of Sir Jonathan. Had Sir Jonathan been at the ceremony it’s likely he would have been fascinated by two items concerning the 15th century home that he bought in the 19th. Could this house with its wooden beams and medieval style sloping roof really have underfloor heating, powered by an air source heat pump? Well yes, courtesy of current owners Stephen and Victoria Vaughan. Victoria explains that the house dates back to 1435 which was verified using Dendrochronology. This would have been right up Sir Jonathan’s street as a man of science. Dendrochronology allows the timber used in the house to be precisely dated by its rings. Specialists compare the ring patterns from the building timbers against "master chronologies" of known dates from the same region and species and by analysis give the year of construction.
Sir Jonathan to say the least was distinguished being described in 1927 some fourteen years after his passing as “the greatest practitioner of his time in Europe”. He coined the term “Terralism” for his belief that those with knowledge had a duty to share it for the betterment of humanity, helping future generations to evolve into more intelligent beings. To this end, in 1888, he opened a museum next to his home. Not only did it exhibit stuffed birds, fossils and even an elephant's skull but it was among the first to welcome children emphasising education for all. And they could touch the exhibits because Sir Jonathan believed that people learn as much through touch as through sight. An added benefit were the lectures he gave there. With his collection of fossils and other specimens ever expanding the museum moved, in 1885, to now what is called Museum Hill in Haslemere. By 1922 according Edward Swanton, curator of the museum from 1897 until 1948, even larger premises were needed. A committee had been established to run the museum and through their efforts and the support of the Hutchinson Trustees the current location,78 High Street, was purchased. Opening in 1926 it’s celebrating its centenary by lectures and events. No doubt Sir Jonathan would have been satisfied by the esteem in which the museum is held today not only in Haslemere but in the wider field of education.

Location

Haslemere

Haslemere is a historic town of great charm. Its setting in wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its good transport links make it a much sought after place in which to live. The town is vibrant and cherished and the Society does not resist change, but seeks high standards of appropriate development and the careful planning of amenities and facilities, which are as much a concern for the Society as is conservation. The Haslemere Society has a substantial membership whose influence is widely respected. The committee appreciates its active involvement and support. New members are very welcome. You can help to shape Haslemere's future by joining the Society. "

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