Sam and I watched The Dark Knight Rises last night, the third in the Batman trilogy. Great film, as good as, maybe better than, numbers one and two. I was keen to see the interiors from Osterley House which we saw when we were there in October. What … Continue reading The past in the present
Category: Origins
By train through George and Mabel’s world
We have been in Surrey. We flew into Gatwick airport the other night and stayed at a B and B in Horley. We caught a train the next day into London, passing through Redhill, Merstham, Norwood Junction and New Cross before finally getting off at … Continue reading By train through George and Mabel’s world
Who was George Lilley, and where did he come from?
George Lilley, resident in Reigate in 1901, listed his place of birth as Norwood, Surrey. But George Simmonds, who I have come to believe was one and the same person as George Lilley, listed his place of birth as Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey. Why should I believe … Continue reading Who was George Lilley, and where did he come from?
Mabel and Osterley
A question that has fascinated me is how Mabel Simmonds, formerly Butler, of Heston, Middlesex, wife of a market gardener and carman before WWI, could have been invited to garden parties at the spectacular Osterley House, which was so close to where the young family … Continue reading Mabel and Osterley
Uncle Jack remembers Osterley
The only one of the Simmonds boys that I ever knew was John (Jack), my grandfather's brother, who must have been in his 70s when I met him one sunny day in Brisbane - could it have been in the 80s?. I can't remember how … Continue reading Uncle Jack remembers Osterley
Forgotten tales 