Stoneleigh Community Library has welcomed dozens of residents to a pair of events celebrating the area's local history.
On Wednesday 16 September, from 7.30pm to 9pm, around 30 people attended an illustrated talk covering the history of Stoneleigh from Roman times through to the start of the Second World War. Delivered by a well known local historian, the talk included the story of a Victorian entrepreneur whose family trust helped shape the Stoneleigh known today.
The talk was followed on Sunday 20 September, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, by a fully booked guided walk, with 15 people taking part. Setting off from Nonsuch Park, walkers explored familiar sites alongside hidden gems, including the former site of Bowling Green Farm. They heard how the farm had been home to farmhands at the start of the 19th century before later becoming a country estate and then a hospital annexe, until it was demolished in the 1970s.
The route continued past Victorian cottages on London Road and through the arches at Stoneleigh Park before finishing at the library, where walkers were treated to tea and biscuits.
Following the success of both events, organisers are already looking ahead to spring, with plans for further talks and walks exploring some of Stoneleigh's other historic farms.
