LEATHERHEAD & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Streets and Roads
Leatherhead High Street (previously Queen Street)

Vardey references are from History of Leatherhead, edited by Edwina Vardey (L&DLHS 1988).

Sources: For information about the 1950 edition of Kelly's referred to below, also for LUDC 1950 and LUDC 1965/67

and Looking Back with Love and Laughter in Leatherhead, by Kitchener Haskins for the period 1922-32 (pub 1986)

please click the Kelly's link on the left of your screen.

This street cannot at present be viewed via Street View in Google Maps

Some older images of Leatherhead High Street can be seen in the archived Leatherhead AHEAD website

To add images or text or to correct this page, please contact the Streets and Roads editor.

Before looking at the present-day High Street here is what the two main sources listed in Leatherhead High Street - Kitch Haskins for 1922-32 and Kelly's Directory for 1950:

HASKINS 1922-32: his detailed childhood memories	KELLY'S 1950 Directory
High Street North side, from North Street to the Institute North Street/Bridge Street Swan Hotel steep incline leading down to Moulds Depository/ Garage for huge Moulds Removals vans, smaller road leading off to rear of Moulds for loading Barclays Bank a Butchers Beech The Chemist Leatherhead Creamery Home & Colonial Stores, previously photographers Albert Yoelle Moulds, ground floor, upstairs floor and basement running well back into Swan Pit front entrance to the Picture Palace JG Bayley newsagent, confectionery, tobacconist fireworks, hairdresser side entrance to The Picture Palace a Shoe shop Fairs fruiterer Fairs sweet shop Brickbat Alley Gregory's Bakers & Tea Shop entrance to parking behind Gregorys Hazel ladies dress shop access to cottages Hulme's, sweets confectionery tobacco, sold Leatherhead Advertiser, 2 windows, one facing down High St one facing into High St James, men's outfitters, chief assistant Walter Nunns, who took it over four cottages Dukes Head Shurville's house, builder [later Alan's Florist] WG [WE] Wright confectioner & tobacconist a Shoe Repairer Letherhead Institute Epsom Road/Elm Road/The Crescent	From North street to Epsom road. High Street North side. 1a Finlay & Co. Ltd. tobccnsts 1 & 3 Burton Montague Ltd. tailors 7a Whites Timothy & Taylors Ltd. household stores Grossmans Ltd. drapers 11a Moulds (Leatherhead) Ltd. upholsterers 5 Barclays Bank Ltd. (E. Perkins, manager) 7 Blair Miss Eliz. S., M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H. physcn 7 Wasley Robert Ltd. butchers 7 Davies, Watson & Co. chartered accountants. 9 Hall Claude D., M.Ch.S. chiropodist 9 BEECH THOS. (F. C. Andrews M.P.S.), chemist & optician. 9 Kirkham Mrs. J. R 11 Curtis C. I. (Dairy Farmers) Ltd 13 Moulds (Leatherhead) Limited, ironmngrs &c 15 Home & Colonial Stores (H. & C. (Retail) Ltd.), provsn. dlrs [17] LEATHERHEAD THEATRE (Desmond O’Donovan (Theatres) Ltd.). Leatherhead Theatre Club 19 Bayley’s, newsagts .... here is Swan pit ... 21 Freeman, Hardy & Willis Ltd. boot mkrs 23 Walker Jn. fruitr 25 Treanor Frank, confctnr ... here is King’s Head alley . 27 West Andrew & Son Ltd. bldrs 29 Eastmans Dyers & Cleaners Ltd 31 GREGORY & SON LTD. bakers. 31 YE OLD SEVENTEENTH CENTURY TEAROOM. 33 Hazel, ladies’ outfitter ... here are Booth’s cotts ... 35 Hulme & Co. confctnrs 37 Nunns W. E. H. outfitter 39 Rosemary, ladies’ hairdrssr 41 Stevens (Confectioners) Ltd. bakers 43 Maison George, ladies’ hairdrssrs 45 Crayden J. E. cafe 47 Duke’s Head P.H. Michl. Maguire HOLLANDS W. & SON (L. W. Hollands, propr.), motor engineers. 49 Hart, Scales & Hodges, solctrs 49 Leatherhead & Dorking Advertiser (Holmesdale Press Ltd. publishers) 49 Rose Chas. H., F.R.I.B.A. archtct 51 & 53 Wright Wm. Edwd. who. confcnr 53 Richardson Jn. boot mkr 55 Bolam Jn. institute restaurant 57 Letherhead Institute & Library (Mrs. M. Mould, sec) Ministry of Food (Food Control Office) (Letherhead Institute) Ministry of Fuel (Fuel Control Office; (J. P. Norfolk, overseer) (Letherhead Institute) Surrey County Council Welfare Centre & School Clinic (Kenneth Andrew Soutar B.Sc. MJB., M.R.C.S., M.R.C.P., D.P.H. medical officer) (Letherhead Institute) Register Office for Births, Deaths & Marriages (Leonard Arth. Clarke, registrar for Epsom & Leatherhead sub-district; attends mon. & fri. 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.) (Letherhead Institute) ... here are Linden & Epsom roads ...
HASKINS 1922-32 continued Epsom Road/Elm Road/The Crescent High Street South side, from the pollarded Elm Tree opposite the Institute to Church Street/Bridge Street Prutton bookmaker Titley (original Titley shop was at bottom of Fairfield Rd, became storage) Hollands bicycles British Boot Co Salon Thurloes baby linen & 408 Guilford bus stop Marshalls Fish Jacksons Granaries, pet food Wilcox Butchers Thomas Parry & Sons Tailor Alicia's Cakes Neates Alley Neate Grocers Girlings Fruit & Veg Kings Head Alley Kings Head J Humphrey Family Butcher and Grazier, only butcher in Leatherhead to have own slaughterhouse Battens Toys Shinner Drapers & Ladies Outfitter tiny passage leading to AJ Wells glazier and picture framer storehouse for International Tea Stores International Tea Stores Sorelles Teas Cakes Wakefields Ladies & Gentlemens Outfitters, overhead wire arrangement	KELLYS 1950 continued ... here are Elm rd. The Crescent & Church rd ... High Street South side, 36, 36a & 38 TITLEY E. B. & SON, grocers 34c Molyneau, antiques 34a & 34b British Boot Repairers Ltd 34 Salon Thurloe, baby linen, wools, & fancy goods dealer 32 HOLLANDS W. & SON, cycle engineers. 30 MARSHALL BROS. LTD. fishmngrs. & poulterers (Established 1838) 28a Jackson’s Granaries, animal food mers 28 Baldwin Bros. Ltd. butchers 26 Tilling Rd. furniture remover 26 Badman & Davies, jewellers 26 Sayers S. florist 24 Fleur de Lys Restaurant 18a, Sainsbury J. Ltd. provsn. mers 18 King’s Head Hotel, Cyril Harvey Leach 16b, Blake H. hosier 16a Watson Herbt. florist 16 Gallagher Edwd 14 Humphrey Bros, butchers 14 British Bata Shoe Co. Ltd 12 Boots Cash Chemists (Southern) Ltd 10 Warner Wm. Geo 10 Walton T,. (London) Ltd. fruitrs. 10a, Leach Bros, fishmngrs 8 Wells & Son, picture framers 6 International Tea Co's Stores Ltd. 4 Clarke Mrs. M. café 2 Wakefield Thos. Chas. draper ... here is Church st ...

------

North side.

from Epsom road to North street

... here are Linden & Epsom roads ...

67 High Street
April 2018

Leatherhead/Letherhead Institute
Leatherhead Community Association

Heritage Trail plaque image April 2015: Haslam

The Garage, 67 High Street in the grounds of Leatherhead Institute is the premises of Homefix Property Services which, it is understood, formerly operated as part of Building Supplies (see 49-51 High St).

Vardey (1988): The Letherhead Institute at the top end of the High Street was built and endowed by Abraham Dixon of Cherkley Court in 1892. On the subscription of 2d. a week, it provided educational, social and recreational activities for all members of the community.

In 1987 the Leatherhead Community Association with the help of local volunteers, refurbished the hall on the first floor and named it after its founder.

Kelly's 1950

57 Letherhead Institute & Library (Mrs. M. Mould, sec)

Ministry of Food (Food Control Office) (Letherhead Institute)
Ministry of Fuel (Fuel Control Office) (J. P. Norfolk, overseer) (Letherhead Institute)
Surrey County Council Welfare Centre & School Clinic

(Kenneth Andrew Soutar B.Sc., M.B., M.R.C.S.,M.R.C.P., D.P.H. medical officer) (Letherhead Institute)
Register Office for Births, Deaths & Marriages (Leonard Arth. Clarke, registrar for Epsom & Leatherhead sub-district;

attends mon. & fri. 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.) (Letherhead Institute)

65 High Street
2020
tba

63b High Street
April 2018

Leatherhead Podiatry

image: Haslam

Kelly's 1950
?55 Bolam Jn. institute restaurant

63a High Street April 2018 vacant previously: a Nail Beauty & Tanning Salon Kelly's 1950 ?53 Richardson Jn. boot mkr image: Haslam
63a High Street March 2020 vacant image: Haslam

63 High Street
April 2018

JSY Design
Structural Engineers Consultants and Architects

previously:
a Fresh Fruit & Veg Greengrocers
a Sweet Shop?

WE Wright Confectioner & Tobacconist (Kelly's 1950, and earlier by Haskins)

image: Haslam

51 & 53 High Street
Kelly's 1950
Wright Wm. Edwd. who. confctnr

LUDC 1950
WE Wright
Wholesale and retail
Confectioner and Tobacconist
Wholesale Factor for District: Smiths Crisps, Carr's Biscuits etc

also listed earlier by Haskins

LUDC 1950

61 High Street November 2017 RT Waters Limited Insurance Brokers The building was converted to flats above and an office for RT Waters Insurance Brokers, which used to be at The Institute image: Haslam
61 High Street 2003 Alan's Florist image: Shopfront Elegy Closed since the retirement of Mr Alan Laikin in 2010, who was in business in Leatherhead for 60 years. see on right article from the Leatherhead Advertiser, p9 14/4/16 image Haslam 14/08/16

Kelly's 1950
49 High Street

49 Hart, Scales & Hodges, solctrs
49 Leatherhead & Dorking Advertiser (Holmesdale Press Ltd. publishers)
49 Rose Chas. H., F.R.I.B.A. archtct

LUDC 1950

Durrell CP West & Co
Insurance Brokers
49 High Street Leatherhead
Every kind of Insurance effected
Special Terms for House Purchase
Immediate cover for Motor Insurance
Established 1891

Haskins memories (1922-32) are of this being the Shurville's house

LUDC 1950

59 High Street

57 High Street 28/11/17 A Grade II Listed Building The Dukes Head on Leatherhead High Street closed its doors in August this year before being purchased by new owners Whelans Pub Company. After a complete refurbishment both inside and out including a refitted kitchen and new front and rear garden areas the pub will reopen to the public on December 8. Heritage Trail plaque image 9 April 2018 images: Haslam	in Kelly's 1950 Directory the Duke's Head was numbered 47. Probably HOLLANDS W. & SON (L. W. Hollands, propr.), motor engineers were in the current car park area.
57 High Street July 2013 The Dukes Head under previous ownership Vardey (1988): The Duke's Head, despite its 19th-century appearance, has a 17th-century structure. It was known as the Duke of Cumberland in the 18th century and Courts and occasional Vestry meetings were held there. In 1798 Thomas Kershaw was innkeeper and in 1851 it was described as 'a commercial inn and posting house' with John Lawrence as innkeeper. John Young of Dorking owned it in 1892. Behind its rendered facade with parapet and bay windows, there is a timber-framed building with a tiled roof. Part of the external wall of the cellar was dry stone walling and its floor was part brick-paved and part soil. The cellars are now undergoing extensive rebuilding. At one time the property extended back to Fairfield Road and included an orchard, kitchen garden and stable buildings, with a farrier working nearby. The town band used to play in the forecourt early this century. image: via GetSurrey website
The Dukes Head 57 High Street May 2016 - before refurbishment - note distortion of the sign image Haslam Kelly's 1950 47 Duke’s Head P.H. Michl. Maguire HOLLANDS W. & SON (L. W. Hollands, propr.), motor engineers. Telephone, Leatherhead 2584	The Dukes Head 57 High Street April 2018 - after refurbishment - distortion reduced image Haslam

55 High Street
April 2018
(formerly No.45)
A Grade II Listed Building

Sunshine Cafe

Vardey (1988): Nos. 53 and 55 are basically 16th-century buildings with cement rendering above the shop fronts, no doubt covering timber-framing.

image Haslam

Kelly's 1950
45 Crayden J. E. cafe

Haskins memories (1922-32) are of there being four cottages below The Dukes Head which would appear to be the current 55, 53 and the site of 49-51

53 High Street
April 2018
(formerly No.43)
A Grade II Listed Building

Hua Xia
Dr V Acupuncture

Vardey (1988): Nos. 53 and 55 are basically 16th-century buildings with cement rendering above the shop fronts, no doubt covering timber-framing.

image: Haslam

Kelly's 1950
43 Maison George, ladies’ hairdrssrs

49-51 High Street Wildlife Aid Foundation (fascia & window dressing only) September 2016 image: Haslam 04/08/16 Planning Application MO/2016/1102/PLA Proposal: Erection of first and second floors over existing shop to create 4 No. flats. Alterations to shop front. Representations by 25 August 2016 previously: Building Supplies Simon Jacques (rh half) Stevens (Confectioners) Ltd. bakers (rh half) Rosemary's (lh half)
The Wildlife Aid fascia disappeared revealing that it appears that part of the premises had at one time been called Simon Jacques. LUDC 1965//67 In the 1965/67 Official Guide to Leatherhead and District, Simon Jacques is listed among the Ladies Outfitters and Drapers, but at 41 High Street under a previous numbering scheme. Kelly's 1950 41 Stevens (Confectioners) Ltd. bakers Haskins: two of the four cottages mentioned by him below the Dukes Head would have been on this site image: Haslam 8 Jul 19
49-51 High Street September 2014 Building Supplies DIY top image: Haslam bottom image 2003: Shopfront Elegy	September 2014 2003

39 High Street
Kelly's 1950

Rosemary, ladies’ hairdrssr

LUDC 1950
Rosemary
Hairdressing and Beauty Culture

The numbering implies Rosemary's was adjacent to Simon Jacques and hence that the pair of them shared the current 49-51 High Street.

LUDC 1950

45-47 High Street
April 2018

Piazza Firenze Restaurant and Cygnet House
Cygnet House was originally offices but was converted to flats in 2010.

previously:
John's, printer of Social Stationary
Nunns, Outfitters
James, Outfitters

image: Haslam

?37 High Street
LUDC 1965/67

John's (Proprietor John W Glass)
Opposite Woolworths
7 day Printing Service for all Social Stationery
including Notepaper, Visiting Cards, Wedding Invitations,
Hymn Sheets, Serviettes, Change of Address etc
Stockist of all leading brands of Cigarettes, Cigars and Tobacco
Confectionery and Liqueur Chocolates
Greeting Cards, Stationery, Cake Decorations and Table Stationery

['opposite Woolworths', which is now the Edmund Tylney public house,
would place John's on the site of the present Cygnet House.]

LUDC 1965/67

37 High Street
Kelly's 1950

Nunns W. E. H. outfitter

LUDC 1950

For keenest of values and largest selection of all types of Men's Wear visit
WEH Nunns
Local Agent for the Celebrated "John White" Footwear

according to Haskins, before Nunns it was:
James, men's outfitters, chief assistant Walter Nunns, took it over

In 2003 Nunns were at 16 Bridge Street

LUDC 1950

35 High Street
Kelly's 195035

Hulme & Co. confctnrs

LUDC 1950

Lending Library
Hulme & Co (AM Hulme Proprietor)
Confectioners and Stationers
Also Tobacconists Wholesale and Retail

[Also at] 15 Bridge Street Leatherhead

LUDC 1950

... here are Booth’s cotts ...

33 High Street
Kelly's 1950

Hazel, ladies’ outfitter

LUDC 1965/67
John Walker
Fruiterer and Greengrocer
33 High Street Leatherhead
Local Deliveries Frozen Foods Fresh Salads Daily

Kelly's 1950 lists
23 Walker Jn. fruitr which would have put him in part of Cradler's House in 1950

LUDC 1965/67

43 High Street (Swan Mews is to the left, right and back)
April 2018

Eden Florists
In July 2016 a poster in the window of number 43 announced that Eden Florists Leatherhead was coming soon ..

now closed

previously British Heart Foundation Charity Shop
previously a betting shop

image: Haslam

Swan Mews, High Street
April 2018

Leading to Leatherhead Citizens Advice Bureau
current address The Georgian House, Swan Mews,
High St.
A plan has been seen where the CAB was shown
as at 41a High Street.

images: Haslam

41 High Street
April 2018
(formerly No.31)
A Grade II Listed Building

Cradler's House Jewellers
The actual Cradler's House building is at 33-35 High Street.

Vardey (1988): Nos. 37, 39 and 41 date from the late 17th and early 18th centuries and No. 41 has a fine panelled room on the first floor.

previously:
Tearoom/Bakers

image: Haslam

31 High Street
Kelly's 1950

31 YE OLD SEVENTEENTH CENTURY TEAROOM. Telephone, Leatherhead 2020
31 GREGORY & SON LTD. bakers Telephone, Leatherhead 2020

LUDC 1950

Old Leatherhead!!
Visit the 17th Century Tea Rooms
31 High Street Leatherhead
Gregory & Sons Ltd
Bakers and Pastrycooks

LUDC 1950

39 High Street
May 2018
(formerly No.29)
A Grade II Listed Building

Olivia's Closet
Ladies Clothes

Vardey (1988): see No.41

image: Haslam April 2018

Kelly's 1950

29 Eastmans Dyers & Cleaners Ltd

37 High Street
April 2018
(formerly No.27)
A Grade II Listed Building

Annie's Place
Restaurant

Vardey (1988): see No.41

On 16 June 2018 this notice was seen in the window of Annie's:

To all our customers

Annie's will be closing

shortly after 25 years.
Vera and Aimee would

like to thank all their

customers over the years

images: Haslam

37 High Street
May 2019
(formerly No.27)
A Grade II Listed Building

Kawamura
sushi & bento

image: Haslam 17 May 19

Kelly's 1950
27 West Andrew & Son Ltd. bldrs

Brickbat Alley, High Street
4 July 2020

Kelly's 1950
... here is King’s Head alley ...
This appears to be an error as King's Head Alley is on the other side of the High Street; nor are Neate's Alley and Brickbat Alley listed. It should have read Brickbat Alley]

on the right of the photo is the present no.37 (formerly no.27)
on the left are the present nos. 35/33 (formerly 25/23) - Cradler's House, 'almost certainly the oldest surviving building in the centre of Leatherhead'

Now terminated by the Swan Centre, Brickbat Alley ran to Lower Fairfield Road, where the Prince of Wales public house stood on the left hand side at the corner.

In Kitch Haskins' boyhood the buildings in the Alley were mostly cottages, apart from the Model Lodging House. There "the more affluent tramps slept and had breakfast before moving on. Travelling tinkers, organ grinders and their monkeys, sailors with no family, and other loners."

Immediately behind the present no.37 [on the right of the photo] Haskins recalls that the Alley was very narrow and there were "6 tiny wooden cottages, their once cream coloured painted walls now dirty and peeling away throughout the years. During the good weather, the granny-like wizened up old ladies would sit in the open doorways on the bottom half of an old kitchen chair, their feet protruding into the alley, revealing an ancient boot with the toes hanging out, or a pair of bedroom slippers only fit for the dustbin. But that was not all, two of them had rough walking sticks leaning at a convenient angle ready to give you a swipe as you went by. I suppose that was their way of seeking some revenge for the squalor they seemed to be living in."

The Prince of Wales and much of Lower Fairfield Road was lost when Leret Way was created. It stood not far from the end of Middle Road.

image: Haslam

33-35 High Street April 2018 (formerly Nos. 23 & 25) A Grade II Listed Building Cradler's House Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Charity Shop previously: other charity shops including Rainbow Trust, fruiterers and confectioners images: Haslam	Vardey (1988): Cradler's House (Nos. 33-35) is the oldest surviving building in the town [centre]. It is a 14th-century open-hall building which has recently been restored [at the time of publication].
33-35 High Street - rear of building June 2016 (formerly Nos.23 & 25) A Grade II Listed Building Kelly's 1950 25 Treanor Frank, confctnr 23 Walker Jn. fruitr Haskins Fairs sweet shop Fairs fruiterer

Kelly's 1950

21 Freeman, Hardy & Willis Ltd. boot mkrs

... here is Swan pit ...

19 Bayley’s, newsagts

31 High Street April 2018 Lal Akash Indian Restaurant image: Haslam
31 High Street 15 Oct 2018 Ruchi Fine Indian Cuisine image: Haslam

25-29 High Street

25 High Street
March 2018

mangobean
Coffee House
from July 2016?

previously a MVDC Help Shop, which is now in Leatherhead Library

images: Haslam

The Leatherhead Theatre was on or near this site. This is the plaque that can be seen in the centre of the photo:
On this site stood the Leatherhead Theatre (formerly the Victoria Hall) 1951-1969. Presented by the Thorndike Theatre in its 25th Anniversary Year 1994.

25 High Street
4 Jan 2020

Now an independent coffee house - Layla's Coffeehouse

Leatherhead Advertiser 15 Nov 2019: Leatherhead's Mangobean café is to close down after Christmas Eve, with its emotional owner saying the area has become a "ghost town" amid the council looking to ban parking in the high street.

Layla Al-Khudairy runs the café with her husband Mohammed and could not hide the emotion around the decision to close on December 24.

She says she can no long pay the bills or attract business to the café they opened in 2016.

On 28 Dec 2019 Layla tweeted:
We Are Not Closing Down.
Christmas can bring Miracles.
We will continue to operate as an Independent Coffee House under the same Management as we will be de-branding from Mangobean. Thank you for your continuous support and Hope to see you soon,

image: Haslam

(17) High Street
Kelly's 1950

LEATHERHEAD THEATRE (Desmond O’Donovan (Theatres) Ltd.). Telephone, Leatherhead 2852

LUDC 1950
The Theatre, High Street, Leatherhead
Famous Plays Presented Weekly
Times of Performances
Tuesday-Sunday at 7.30pm
Saturday at 5pm and 7.30pm
Members only may buy tickets
Annual subscription 2'6
Coffee served between 11am and 1pm in the Foyer Lounge

LUDC 1950

It is believed that the entrance to The Theatre was the doorway flanked by the large posters [just up from what is now 23 High Street]. Built as the Victoria Hall, by 1914 it was operating as a cinema, known as the Grand Theatre with 550 seats. Around 1921, it was re-named Picture House, and the seating capacity had been reduced to 380. By 1937 it was operated by London & District Cinemas Ltd. chain

During the early-1940’s, it was re-named St. George’s Cinema, possibly due to patriotic feelings during World War II. In around 1946, it was re-named Ace Cinema, and it was closed in late-1947 or early-1948.
source: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/30782
Edwina Vardey: It was taken over by the Under Thirty Group of professional young actors in 1950. With Jordan Lawrence as artistic director, it succeeded where two previous companies had failed. Managed by Hazel Vincent Wallace, Leatherhead Theatre became one of the top five regional theatres. She was the driving force behind the creation of the Thorndike Theatre on the site of the old Crescent Cinema in Church Street.That was opened by Princess Margaret in 1969.

(17) High Street
Kelly's 1950

Leatherhead Theatre Club

LUDC 1965/67
Leatherhead Theatre Club, High Street, Leatherhead
The Leatherhead Repertory Company presents first-class plays with fully professional casts. Season from August to May. Each play runs for two weeks. For times of performances and prices see local press. Special terms for parties of ten and over.
Tickets may be purchased only by members of the Theatre Club. Annual subscription 2'6d.
The Leatherhead Green Room Club is fully licensed and provides meals before and after the show. Details of membership from the Club Manager.

Edwina Vardey: The company itself was glad to move [to the Thorndike] not least because of the tragedy in the old Leatherhead Theatre when the Green Room manager Major Byrne was murdered in 1968 by a deranged young man later found unfit to plead.

LUDC 1965/67

15 Home & Colonial Stores (H. & C. (Retail) Ltd.), provsn. dlrs

23 High Street
March 2018

Max Barber Shop

previously an STS Computers location and a restaurant

Kelly's 1950
13 Moulds (Leatherhead) Limited, ironmngrs &c

note vacant former Halifax Bank premises on left

October 1995 Plaque and clock in memory of John Dyer 1926-1994
"This commemorative clock was commissioned by friends and townspeople as a tribute and lasting memory in recognition of the time and resource so generously given to the town he loved"

images: Haslam

see old photo in the section on Leatherhead Theatre

Kelly's 1950
13 High Street (now 23 High Street)

Moulds (Leatherhead) Limited, ironmngrs &c

LUDC 1950
It's nearly always Yes at Moulds Ltd Leatherhead's Departmental Store

Edwina Vardey: "Leatherhead and District Commercial Association was formed in 1908 to improve trading which was not helped by a serious fire in Mould's High Street store early that year. It began late at night in the large warehouse next to the shop and quickly enveloped both. There was a huge explosion caused by gunpowder and cartridges, stored on the top floor, igniting. The Leatherhead, Epsom and Dorking fire brigades spent most of the exceptionally cold night trying to put out the flames. Water from the hoses froze on the High Street, making it sheet ice and difficult for the horses drawing the fire engines to reach the site."
Alun Roberts adds: The insurance money from the fire helped to pay for the striking new frontage, which can be seen above.

LUDC 1950

21 High Street
2017

Halifax Bank

The branch closed in 2017 and the premises remained vacant until 2019.

previously:

Kelly's 1950

11 Curtis C. I. (Dairy Farmers) Ltd

image: web

21 High Street

Pretty Woman

In May 2019 the following announcement appeared in the window of the vacant former Halifax premises:
COMING SOON!
La Belle Rose
Beautie Belleza
www.prettywoman.clothing

A Facebook announcement on 19 July 2019 stated that Pretty Woman / Essensewear.com was now open at 21 High Street.

As can be seen, the fascia of the new shop in December 2019 says:
www.essensewear.com
PRETTY WOMAN
Every Style for Every Woman.

eSense wear and La Belle Rose are online operations listed at this address.

image: Haslam 28 Dec 19

19 High Street

17 High Street

15 High Street
April 2018

Travelodge
Hotel, built on the site of the Swan Hotel (from here down to North Street).

Vardey (1988): The Swan Hotel stood at the junction of North Street and the High Street and was the centre of the town for over 300 years until its demolition in 1936.

The first reference to its existence was in 1637 when it passed from Thomas Godman to the Barefoot family and it was mentioned by John Evelyn in his diary in 1667. It is said that a Chancery court came there in 1705 to deal with the disputed inheritance of the wife of the landlord Edward Toye. An even earlier 17th-century proprietor, Edward Shales, had the right to mint his own tokens which passed for currency at the time.

By 1791 many stage coaches called there and changed horses on regular routes from London to Dorking, Horsham, Guildford and Brighton until well into the 19th century.

The marlpit behind the hotel was not dug out for marl after the 17th century and became part of the gardens which stretched back as far as Fairfield Road. Prize Jersey and Alderney cows were bred and kept in separate stalls in the cow yard and taken daily in slow procession to pasture near Thorncroft and Downside.

By the 1850s the hotel was the property of William Moore and later his daughter Emily. Under the Moores, the 'Swan' became a top-class hotel with 'quiet comfort, good food and drink' and suites of apartments were available for guests. Banquets, receptions and dances were held there and the busy yard was always full of landaus, broughams and coaches.

Coach outside the Swan Hotel, c1865: source L&DLHS

1905: source L&DLHS

1926: source L&DLHS

Well-known visitors included Jenny Lind, the singer; Ellen Terry, the actress and the young Princess of Teck, a relative of Queen Mary. The swan mounted on the porch was saved when the hotel was demolished. For many years it has graced a Fetcham garden and it is hoped it will soon be nesting in the Museum. [It is and the swan above the entrance to the Travelodge was cast from it]

Behind the site of the Swan Hotel in a private car park, there is a tablet set in the wall which reads: 'Near this spot poor Jack, a pony owned by Joseph Hemsley of the inn, was shot on 30th April 1833 in the 42nd year of his life'.

images: Haslam

The Heritage Trail Plaque seen above, on the left:

Some consider that in Jane Austen's Emma:

that Randall's is a reference to the house of that name on the site of the present day crematorium in Randall's Road;
that Hartfield was Thorncroft Manor;
that the house where the piano had to be passed through a window was on the site of the present NatWest Bank in Bridge Street;
and the house opposite where the two old ladies lived is the present Santander branch on the corner of Church Street with the High Street;
and that the Assembly Rooms was the upper floor of The Swan Hotel.

13 High Street

11 High Street
April 2018

Swan Shopping Centre - South West Mall entrance

taken 9 April 2018

images: Haslam

Vardey (1988): The Prince of Wales public house, built in 1906 on the site of the Old Black Hut or House, was demolished in 1974 when the new town centre was built.

Unit 25 (2 Swan Mews) at the entrance to the Swan Centre of which it is part has frontage in the High Street

BookPotato
April 2019

Independent Leatherhead bookshop shutting after eight months' trading citing town centre decline (Surrey Live, 16 December 2019)

An independent bookshop in Leatherhead is closing on Christmas Eve after eight months of trading with its co-owner citing the decline of the town centre as a reason for the business's demise. Book Potato, which opened in The Swan Centre on April 3, has identified high business rates, a reduction in footfall and online shopping as reasons for its closure. Despite a strong start for the store, co-founder Tom Carter said it quickly ran into difficulties when there was a noticeable drop-off in footfall in Leatherhead town centre.
more

previously:
a shoe shop
Carphone Warehouse

image: Haslam 12 Apr 19

Kelly's 1950
5 Barclays Bank Ltd. (E. Perkins, manager)

5-9 High Street
April 2018

Argos
Catalogue store

EE
mobile phones

image: Haslam

9 High Street
Kelly's 1950

BEECH THOS. (F. C. Andrews M.P.S.), chemist & optician. Telephone, Leatherhead 2405

LUDC 1950
T Beech (FC Andrews MPS)
Chemist and Optician
National Health and Private Dispensing
Ophthalmic Optician qualified to provide services under the National Health Services Act, 1946
Sole Local Agents for Elizabeth Ardern, Dorothy Gray and Innoxa specialities
Stockists of Coty, Yardley and other high class toiletries
Kodak and other photographic goods
Two-day Developing and Printing Service

LUDC 1950

Kelly's 1950

9 Hall Claude D., M.Ch.S. chiropodist

7 Davies, Watson & Co. chartered accountants. Tel. Leatherhead 2407

7 Wasley Robert Ltd. butchers

7 Blair Miss Eliz. S., M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H. physcn

1-3 High Street

Surrey Comet
4th November 2019

"Leatherhead Post Office will reopen this Wednesday (November 6) in a newsagents in town [Martins]. The post office in Leatherhead was closed "temporarily" on October 22 after the resignation of the previous postmaster.

Late last week, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) announced that the post office in Leatherhead would reopen under the stewardship of a new Postmaster."

[Currently (6 March 2020) access is to the Post Office 'half' of the site only.
The rest is screened off by drapes.]

Image: Haslam

1-3 High Street
April 2018

Martin's
Newsagent and Post Office

closed 1 November 2018

previously
Pimm's Department Store
Taylors

image: Haslam

'Taylor's Corner'
1982

Leatherhead Advertiser cutting, 13 Aug 1982
caption: TAYLORS, the Leatherhead store which has given its name to the area - "Taylor's Corner" - and which is to close next month.

image: Haslam

'Swan Corner', Leatherhead, 1960s from near the top of Bridge Street

Two way traffic in the High Street.

On left:
in Bridge St: 4 GASCOIGNE-PEES AR&J estate agents & auctioneers
Bank Chambers (National Provincial Bank sign can be seen)

In the High Street: can be seen: -
INVINCIBLE Motor Insurance building in middle

1a, Finlay & Co. Ltd. tobccnsts (Kelly's 1950)

1&3 Taylor's Department Store
(Kelly's 1950: 1&3 Burton Montague Ltd tailors)

7a Timothy Whites & Taylors Ltd. household stores (Kelly's 1950)

The older building jutting out is
5 Barclays Bank (E. Perkins, manager) (Kelly's 1950)

cutting from Leatherhead Advertiser 26 Oct 2006
The photo was captioned: At the time, Leatherhead Theatre Club was in High Street with its annual subscription of 2/6d, The Crescent Wool Shop offered hand knitted garments and transfers for embroidery while Jessie's Cafe, in Kingston Road, dished up refreshments six days a week from 7.30am to 6.30pm.

now going back up the High Street on the other side

South side

... here is Church Street

2 High Street September 2016 (front view) April 2018 (Church Street view) Santander Bank images: Haslam previously: Abbey National Building Society TC Wakefield
2 High Street Abbey National Building Society Leatherhead Advertiser March 1985 see Travelodge/Swan Hotel above about a possible Jane Austen connection

2 High Street
Kelly's 1950

Wakefield Thos. Chas. draper

LUDC 1950
TC Wakefield
Specialist in Ladies', Gents' and Children's Wear
Draper, Milliner, and Outfitter
Carpets, Rugs etc
BUKTA Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides, Brownies Wear
Fashion Departments
Household & Linen Departments
High Street and Church Street Leatherhead

1922-32 Haskins
Wakefields had an overhead wire arrangement to the cashier

LUDC 1950

4 High Street
September 2016

Greggs
Chain bakery that prepares breads, savoury snacks, sandwiches and sweet treats

image: Haslam

Kelly's 1950

4 Clarke Mrs. M. café

Haskins:
Sorelle's Teas Cakes

6a High Street
April 2018

Tip Top Nails
Nail Salon

image: Haslam

6 High Street
September 2016

Toni & Guy
Hairdressers

image: Haslam

Kelly's 1950
6 International Tea Co.’s Stores Ltd

6 High Street [yes there are two #6s, checked with S&P]
September 2016

S&P Photos
Photography, Equipment, Picture Framers
been in Leatherhead since 1988

Haskins: International Stores' storehouse

image: Haslam

8 High Street
September 2016

Privé London Hairdressing

image: Haslam

Kelly's 1950

8 Wells & Son, picture framers

Haskins: tiny passage leading to AJ Wells glazier and picture framer

10-12 High Street
February 2015
(formerly Nos. 8 & 10) [now no 12]
A Grade II Listed Building

Temptation Household Store

previously:
Monroe Hair

Vardey (1988): Nos. 8 and 10 are listed as built in 'regency brick' before 1885 when they were said to be a 'school for young ladies' and subsequently Shinners drapery store from 1885 to 1935.

[see below for no.10, 1950]

image: Haslam

8 High Street

LUDC 1965/67

For all matters relating to Property
Douglas & Co FALPA
Auctioneers, Estate Agents, Surveyors, Valuers
8 High Street Leatherhead

66 The Street Ashtead
10 High Street Epsom
and at Ewell, Worcester Park

LUDC 1965/67

Kelly's 1950

10a, Leach Bros, fishmngrs
10 Walton T. (London) Ltd. fruitrs.
10 Warner Wm. Geo

12 Boots Cash Chemists (Southern) Ltd

14 British Bata Shoe Co. Ltd
14 Humphrey Bros, butchers

16 Gallagher Edwd
16a Watson Herbt. florist
16b Blake H. hosier

14 High Street
September 2016

Purrfect Pet Care (closed) - previously in Unit 3 Swan Centre

previously:
Starbucks

Surrey Live,11 Feb 2020: .. a new Subway is set to open in High Street at the site of a former Starbucks. The sandwich chain takes over the unit on 14 High Street, which used to be home to the coffee chain. Purrfect Pet Care briefly took over the site before it too closed down.
A Subway spokesman said: “We’re pleased to confirm that a new Subway restaurant is set to open in Leatherhead on Wednesday, March 18, creating 10 new jobs.
"It will be a Fresh Forward format with a capacity of up to 24 seats. The new franchise owner looks forward to welcoming customers to the new restaurant very soon."

This is not the first appearance of Subway on Leatherhead's High Street - see no.16 below.

image: Haslam

14 High Street
September 2016

believed to be offices and flats

image: Haslam

16 High Street
September 2016

Subway
Sandwich Bar

It was seen to be vacant in December 2019.

image: Haslam

18 High Street
April 2018

Caffe Amici

previously a jewellery shop

image: Haslam

20 High Street
It is believed that there was a tea & coffee shop, not a cafe - Importers Ltd - at this address in the early 1970s, next to Humphrey's, the Butchers at that time (source: Alun Roberts). Brian Hennegan adds: "the aroma was a good advert for business"

Brian Hennegan says that the premises had previously been a 'smell zone' when it was occupied by Eastman's Dry Cleaners - "In the ‘old days’ the final stage in the dry cleaning process was drying. This was done in a cylindrical rotator, and the smell of the cleaning trike’ [trichloroethylene] was evacuated to the atmosphere. This smell could imbibed in any town with a dry cleaning establishment. As we can imagine this was not good for roaming dogs and people.

The problem was eliminated with the advent of the ‘totally enclosed’ machines. These machines were the invention of Philip Spencer, Neil and Spencer Ltd of Station Road, Leatherhead and sundry other locations including the Hillingdon estate in Glasgow, next to Rolls Royce engine components." Brian was with them for 18 years mainly as their Group Personnel Manager.

30 March 2021

no image at present

22 High Street
April 2018

William Hill
Betting Shop

image: Haslam

24 High Street September 2016 Rialto Lounge Italian Restaurant (now Gossip Bar & Lounge) previously Vecchia Trattoria Italian Restaurant image: Haslam Edwina Vardey: "The old King's Head Inn inn, described as 'one of the beauties of the town', was replaced by a modern public house in 1930 on a site opposite [in King's Head Alley] the original. The new 'King's Head' building was eventually converted into shops in 1961." This is it.
24 High Street November 2017 Gossip Bar & Lounge previously Rialto Lounge Italian Restaurant previously Vecchia Trattoria Italian Restaurant image: Haslam
24 High Street 2018 il Capitano Ristorante Pizzeria previously Gossip Bar & Lounge previously Rialto Lounge Italian Restaurant previously Vecchia Trattoria Italian Restaurant image: Haslam 20 Oct 18
24 High Street L'ultimo Cucina Italiana 2019 previously il Capitano Ristorante Pizzeria previously Gossip Bar & Lounge previously Rialto Lounge Italian Restaurant previously Vecchia Trattoria Italian Restaurant image: Haslam 13 Aug 19

Kings Head Alley
September 2016

between no.24 and no.26 High Street

25/2/2005 GetSurrey: Two of Leatherhead’s dingy alleys have been brighten up with new entrance arches specially designed to reflect their history.

Kings Head Alley and Neate’s Alley are two long established pedestrian routes in the town that have been provided with arches made nearby by the Fire and Iron Gallery and partly designed by local schoolchildren.

King’s Head Alley takes its name from an inn that once stood on the site and was supposed to always have a table reserved especially for members of the clergy. This is reflected in the design of the entrance arch which features churchwardens’ pipes and ale tankards.

Vardey (1988): The King's Head inn was situated on the east side in King's Head Alley, just off the High Street. In 1719 it was owned by Edward Toye who also owned the Swan Hotel. The original inn was destroyed by fire in 1794 and after rebuilding, it had several owners, the Skilton family holding it for over 20 years in the mid-19th century.

The old inn, described as 'one of the beauties of the town', was replaced by a modern public house in 1930 on a site opposite the original.

The new 'King's Head' building was eventually converted into shops in 1961.

Fire and Iron Gallery spokesman, Lucy Quinnell, said: “Our research of the histories of the alleys proved very enlightening and enabled us to suggest features that might be incorporated into the design of the new arches. “Pupils and Woodville and Therfield schools helped us design some of the elements of each arch. They are colourful, quirky, educational and fun.”

The schemes have been paid for by contributions from local developers and are part of the project to rejuvenate the town centre. Improved lighting is to be installed shortly.

image: Haslam

Kelly's 1950 included King's Head Alley - but on the North side of the High Street when it is actually on the South side. Correctly located, to the right in this Sep 2016 photo is listed (in 1950) no.18 King's Head Hotel, Cyril Harvey Leach;
and to the left no.18a Sainsbury L Ltd provsn mers

26 High Street
September 2016

Salvation Army Charity Shop

previously:

Dixons/Currys electrical goods

Kelly's 1950

image: Haslam

This was the original site of the old King's Head.

Kelly's 1950

18a Sainsbury J. Ltd. provsn. mers

28a High Street March 2020 Savers Health Home Beauty image: Haslam
28a High Street September 2016 Superdrug Health Beauty image: Haslam

28 High Street
September 2016

{my} dentist

previously:

Blockbusters video hire

image: Haslam

Neate's Alley
High Street
between no.28 and no.30-32
September 2016

see also Kings Head Alley above

Neate’s Alley takes its name from a 19th century family of grocers and butchers. Pigs were slaughtered in a yard at the back of the shop which gave it its old name of dog. Dogs were said to be attracted there in the hope of getting some scraps. The design of the arch incorporates different kinds of dogs and a pig. The frames of both arches are a tangle of stems and leaves.

image: Haslam

30-32 High Street April 2018 The Edmund Tylney Wetherspoons pub previously: Tandy branch FW Woolworth & Co Ltd (listed 30 High St in LUDC 1965) Kelly's 1950 listed for no.30: Marshall Bros fishmgrs & poulterers (Established 1838) but there would have been additional businesses on this large site
30 High Street FW Woolworth & Co Ltd Woolworths' gold coloured store name can be seen on the left just beyond the light blue vehicle in this view of the pre-Swan Centre High Street. As it is not listed here in 1950 it appears that Woolworths came to Leatherhead well after WW2. image: Bruce Reid

Assistance on locating the following in their successors in the present day High Street would be appreciated:

24 High Street
Kelly's 1950

Fleur de Lys Restaurant

LUDC 1950
Restaurant Fleur de Lys
Proprietor: E Bolz (Swiss)
Open 10am-10pm Sundays 10.30am-5.30pm
Morning Coffees Luncheons Teas Dinners
Swiss Cakes and Pastries Ice Cream Fruit Sundaes
Swiss Cuisine
Always a choice of Poultry, Meat and Game
Weddingd and Parties Catered for

LUDC 1950

26 Sayers S. florist

26 High Street
Kelly's 1950

26 Badman & Davies, jewellers

LUDC 1950
Badman & Davies
(Principals: AT Badman, G Davies)
Specialists in Antique Clock Sales and Repairs
Antique Clocks, Turret Clocks, Electric and Battery Clocks, Chimes, Strikes, Watches
The Popular 14-Day Repair Service
Estimates Given
Main Showrooms: Ashford Middlesex

LUDC 1950

26 Tilling Rd. furniture remover

28 Baldwin Bros. Ltd. butchers
28a, Jackson’s Granaries, animal food mers

30 MARSHALL BROS. LTD. fishmngrs. & poulterers (Established 1838). Tel. 2284

32 HOLLANDS W. & SON, cycle engineers. Telephone, Leatherhead 2584

Kelly's 1950

34 Salon Thurloe, baby linen, wools, & fancy goods dealer. Telephone, Leatherhead 3904

Kelly's 1950ad

Everything for Baby
Salon Thurloe
LAYETTE SUITS FROCKS, UNDERWEAR
TOYS & FANCY GOODS
'PENGUIN' & ‘LADYSHIP' WOOLS
34 High Street, Leatherhead

Kelly's 1950

34a, & 34b, British Boot Repairers Ltd
34c Molyneau, antiques

36, 36a & 38 High Street
Kelly's 1950

TITLEY E. B. & SON, grocers. Telephone, Leatherhead 3016/7

LUDC 1950

EB Titley & Son
High Class Grocers and Provision Dealer
Health Food Specialists
Coffee Roasted on the Premises Daily
Established 1880

Haskins: the original Ttley shop was at the bottom of Fairfield Rd, became their storage

LUDC 1950

48 High Street

LUDC 1965/67

WF Pumfrey
New and Secondhand Silverware and Jewellery
Wedding and Engagement Rings
Agent for Hamilton and Certina Watches

LUDC 1965/67

34 High Street 2 March 2020 Barbershop Mens Hairdressers same ownership as The Hair Shop for Men, new look in 2019 image: Haslam
34 High Street April 2018 The Hair Shop for Men Mens Hairdressers image: Haslam

36-38 High Street
September 2016

Thai Pinto
Thai Restaurant

previously a ?mexican restaurant

image: Haslam

40 High Street
April 2018

USA Nails
Nail salon

image: Haslam

42 High Street
April 2018

Oxfam
Charity Shop

image: Haslam

44 High Street April 2018 E-Personnel Recruitment previously: Croft & Maitland image: Haslam
44 High Street 2003 Croft & Maitland Fabrics image: Shopfront Elegy

46 High Street
April 2018

Saffron
Indian Takeaway

previously:
Indian Flame Takeaway and Milkshake Bar
The Balti Express, traditional Indian Takeaway

image: Haslam

46a High Street
April 2018

Tops Pizza

image: Haslam

48 High Street

Klassic HD
Barber Shop

previously a phone shop

images: Haslam

September 2016

April 2017: Demolition of Klassic HD Barber Shop

48 High Street
November 2017

Lime Bar

new build 2017, opened but now closed and on the market

image: Haslam

50 High Street Gothick Cottage September 2016 Mirror on the Walls Hair Salon previously Fishing Tackle shop image: Haslam
50 High Street Gothick Cottage 2019 McIntosh Property Property management company previously Mirror on the Walls Hair Salon previously Fishing Tackle shop image: Haslam 12 Apr 2019

52 High Street
September 2016

Howell Jones Solicitors

image: Haslam

... here are Elm rd. The Crescent & Church rd ...

page last updated 20 Apr 20: 5 Jul 20: 30 Mar 21

Streets and Roads Leatherhead High Street (previously Queen Street)

now going back up the High Street on the other side

Streets and Roads
Leatherhead High Street (previously Queen Street)