CAN ANYONE PROVIDE MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT BOOKHAM DEVELOPER ARTHUR BIRD?

Arthur Bird, a London solicitor and property developer, played a major role in the creation of modern Bookham.  At the end of the 19th century he bought what is now The Grange and was formerly the School of Stitchery at Preston Cross. He also bought land west of Church Road and north of Lower Road, dividing it up  for development, and gave what is today the Old Barn Hall to the parish.

We know that he laid out a short road running east from Little Bookham Street, called Nelson Road with a terrace of three cottages. That is now part of Oakdene Road. He may also have built Merrylands Cottages at the end of a short spur road running south from Station Road on the only stretch of land immediately nearby not owned at the time by another major developer, Mrs Mary Chrystie.

On 9 June 1905 Arthur's son George became Rector at St Nicolas, the parish church, going on to serve there right up to 1926. Both of them are now buried in the churchyard together with their wives. Arthur and his wife Mary Jane are shown above. 

This much is known about Arthur Bird but a great many questions remain to be answered about his life. What was his background, for example and that of his wife? Exactly how much land did he buy up and how did he set about breaking it up for development? How much money was involved? Why did the Barn Hall end up with Bookham Community Association rather than the church?

Bill Whitman, former Editor of The Proceedings, is appealing for a volunteer to research the answers to these questions with the aim of running a biographical article in the Newsletter. Please email newsletter@ leatherheadhistory.org if you can assist with this.