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  4. Alderstead Fort Farm

Alderstead Fort Farm

A Memory of Merstham.

In my late teens (late 1970's), I made friends with a girl whose dad owned and lived in, what we called, Alderstead Fort Farm, which was at the top of Shepherd's Hill. It was a bit of a trek to walk up there from Merstham, but it was a fascinating place. I can't remember being allowed inside the 'fort' and it seemed mostly to store junk. The fort had been part of a chain of Victorian magazines/stores built to defend London, should the need arise.
The other attraction of the farm was my friend's horse and the donkey, Crispy.

Added 06 November 2012

#238827

Comments & Feedback

I have been researching my family history and found that my Gt Gt Grandfather was called John Cummings and was in charge of the old Fort in Merstham and lived in the cottage. He had 5 daughters and was a Colour Sergant in the Surrey regiment when he retired he moved to Merstham and took charge of the fort then became the Ranger type person in charge of the common land around the area. His daughters were married in the local church and full accounts of the weddings are in the papers. We went to visit a few years ago bit everywhere was very overgrown and difficult to see anything but a fascinating place
By Barbara Smart on Fri Nov 21st 2025, at 9:59 pm
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I have been researching my family history and found that my Gt Gt Grandfather was called John Cummings and was in charge of the old Fort in Merstham and lived in the cottage. He had 5 daughters and was a Colour Sergant in the Surrey regiment when he retired he moved to Merstham and took charge of the fort then became the Ranger type person in charge of the common land around the area. His daughters were married in the local church and full accounts of the weddings are in the papers. We went to visit a few years ago bit everywhere was very overgrown and difficult to see anything but a fascinating place
By Barbara Smart on Fri Nov 21st 2025, at 9:59 pm
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Merstham, Shepherds Hill 1931

Photo ref: 84410
Photo of Merstham, Shepherds Hill 1931
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