Blackheath, 1921
Photo ref: 70044
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Photo ref: 70044
Photo of Blackheath, 1921

More about this scene

In 1929, the Dublin-born crime writer Freeman Wills Crofts came to live in Blackheath. His books were once as popular as those of Agatha Christie, although nowadays few people know of him or his work. Titles such as 'Murder at Guildford' and 'The 12.30 from Croydon' were penned at Blackheath. He was an accomplished musician, and played the organ at St Martin's Church (centre right).

A Selection of Memories from Blackheath

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Blackheath

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My Great Grandfather Alfred Saunders (1863-1944) looked after the Volunteer Arms before he semi-retired, he also had an interest in the Forest King Pub and the Percy Arms at Chilworth (plus he had shares in Hodgsons brewery) The Forest King and the Percy Arms were operated by his cousins and it was a cousin who temporarily took over the Volunteer Arms
My Great Great Grandparents Frederick & Mary Saunders owned the Forest King Pub. He is listed as a publican in the 1881 & 1891 census and Frederick died 24 Jan 1894 and Mary died in 1904. Alexander Saunders was then the licenced-victualler.
My gran owned the pub at Blackheath which was called the Forest King, it was on the edge of the cricket pitch. There was also another pub called the Volunteer on the next road. Does anybody remember them?
It has been almost 50 years since I have seen the inside of this church. My mother; Molly Risbridger) was married in this church to a Canadian soldier Mr. Ken Lloyd Maxted. I am their son Robert Glenn Maxted. Happy Anniversary! 2007 I love you Mom and Dad, Your Son, Glenn