The Village Archive offers a wonderful exploration of Chipstead through the ages, mainly seen through the writings of residents, past and present.
It is the brainchild of our former Village Archivist, Rupert Courtenay Evans and Barry Pepper, who led the team developing this website. Over the years Rupert has collected many books, photographs and records which form the village archive. An index of what we have is included here.
In 2011 Rupert and Barry decided that it would be a good idea to digitise parts of the written archive and put it on the website. In 2019 another village resident, Jon Grant, took over from Rupert as custodian of the archive. If you have an enquiry about Chipstead's history or have material that you would like to contribute to the archive please contact Jon through CVPS@chipsteadvillage.org
Posted by Jon
Conservation Areas are established under legislation dating back to 1967 to give local authorities greater control over development within them. There are about 20 Conservation Areas within the Borough of Reigate and Banstead. Chipstead currently has 3 Conservation Areas
1. The Elmore Road Conservation Area
The first Conservation Area in Chipstead, was…
Posted by Jon
The life of long term resident of Walpole Avenue and leader of the Chipstead community
Posted by Jon
Arthur David's parents lived in Middleshaws, Walpole Avenue after his death in 1917
Posted by Jon
The story of the memorial in St Margert's Church to Nelson Kempsell and Edward Flint
Posted by Jon
A description of the history of Walpole Avenue and the houses on it
Posted by Jon
Jonathan Edward Charles Grant was born on 18 June 1950 and was educated at King Edwards School Bath and Exeter University where be obtained a degree in Economics. Jon joined Price Waterhouse (PW) in 1972 and, after a spell working in Barcelona, was made a partner in 1984. He married Lesley King in 1984 and they moved to Chipstead in 1987 living in Homefield, Walpole Avenue. They have two children…
Posted by Jon
Some letters, minutes and accounts dating back to 1919 and 1920 have recently been added to the Village Archive. They provide some fascinating insights into the July 1919 celebrations and the unveiling of the War Memorial a year later.
Posted by Jon
As a boy Bruce roamed the Chipstead countryside and has recorded his observations in two papers. Between them they describe a vibrant farming community in the late 1940s existing amidst extraordinarily diverse wildlife.
Posted by Jon
The other day I was helping the church sort through some old papers and came across a real gem. Right at the bottom of an old trunk there was a package tied up with string with ‘Chipstead Home Guard’ scribbled on it. It included a letter to the Rector from Edward Harding suggesting that while the assorted papers might not be of particular interest to him some future historian might be glad to find…
Posted by Barry
Norman Wates (1905 – 1969) was a figure of national importance in the building and construction industry. He was the leading force behind the development of the Wates group of companies from the 1930s to the 1960s. Norman lived at “Elmore” in Chipstead with his wife Peggy and their six children between 1934 and 1969. Peggy and Norman played a very full role in the life of the village. The following biography was written by his youngest son, John Wates.
Posted by Chipstead
The story of the house and the Coningsby family that lived there from 1973 until 2021.
Posted by Barry
Wendy and Colin Vaughan have made many important contributions to village life in Chipstead for over fifty years. Wendy has been a guiding light in the creation and organisation of village events. She received an MBE for her support to a wide variety of charities. Colin was one of the founding members of Chipstead Rugby Club. He created the arboretum at Embers Shaw and has served on the Chipstead Preservation Society committee for ten years.
Posted by Chipstead
A review of farming in the parish from 1086 to the current day