East Grinstead

Edward Steer, the son of Edward Steer, a builder and plumber (1820-1872) and Sarah Rich was born in East Hoathly on 22nd May, 1842. Edward’s father moved to East Grinstead in 1856 where he opened an ironmonger shop in the High Street (now Broadleys). In 1890 Edward’s father built Moat Congregational Church (now the United […]

Joseph Rice, the son of a farm labourer, was born in East Grinstead in 1855. Joseph’s grandfather, Thomas Rice, was brought up in East Grinstead Workhouse. William and Elizabeth Rice could not read or write but managed to send all their children to East Grinstead Council School.
After a brief schooling, Joseph joined his brothers, Thomas, […]

James Morris was born in 1838. After his marriage be lived at Wellington House, 65 Lingfield Road where he opened a newsagents in 1866. A post-office was added in 1887. James had three children, Victor, Mary and Joanna.
James had strong puritanical beliefs had campaigned strongly against the visit of a circus and the proposals to […]

Dr Sir Archibald McIndoe CBE FRCS (May 4, 1900 - April 11, 1960) was a plastic surgeon who worked for the Royal Air Force during World War II. He greatly improved the treatment and rehabilitation of badly burned aircrew.
Background
Archibald McIndoe was born May 4, 1900 in Dunedin, New Zealand, into a family of four. His […]

Wallace Hills, the son of Matthew Hills, chief engineer of Lewes Prison, was born in Chiddingly on 16th July, 1863. After being educated at Ardingly College Hills became a journalist. In 1881 he was appointed editor of the East Grinstead Observer. Hills later joined the board of Farncombe and Company, the […]

Dr. Thomas Hartigan lived at Heathcote House, London Road. He had an extensive private practice in the town. One of his most important patients was Sir Edward Blount of Imberhorne Manor. In 1894 Hartigan was appointed as Medical Officer of East Grinstead Workhouse.
Thomas Hartigan was also a member of the East Grinstead Urban Council. In […]

Sidney Godley was the first Private to be awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War.
Early life
Sidney Frank Godley (1889-1957) was born at North End Imberhorne Lane), East Grinstead, West Sussex. His family had lived in the East Grinstead and Felbridge area for generations; the Godleys can be traced back to East Grinstead […]

Charles Everard, the son of Rev. E. B. Everard, was born on 24th November, 1846. Everard was educated at Eton and Kings College, Cambridge. After obtaining a Ist Class Honours degree in 1872, Everard obtained employment as a master at Eton College. In 1883 Charles Everard married Maria Rogers from Penrose in Cornwall.
Everard taught at […]

Charles Payne Crawfurd was born at Saint Hill on 14th March 1826. Charles was the son of Robert Payne Crawfurd (1801-1883). Charles entered the Anglican Church and was ordained in 1850.
The Rev. Charles Crawfurd married Mary Ogle and the couple had eleven children including Gibbs (1854), Arabella (1855), Caroline (1856), Robert (1857), Georgina […]