Dorking Local

History Group

A flourishing Group founded in the 1960s now with well over 200 members. We are committed to the research and publication of history of Dorking and surrounding parishes.

Meetings with invited speakers are held on the 1st Tuesday in each month, 7:30pm at the Friends' Meeting House, Butter Hill, Dorking. Visitors welcome. We also arrange at least two visits annually to places of historical interest.

Publications include Dorking History containing recent research articles written by Dorking Local History Group members. Other more substantial research by Group members is published separately. A members' Newsletter is also circulated regularly.

Other recent publications include

Bob Humphreys' Early Victorian Dorking (published by DLHG, December 2002, price £5 plus 50p p+p UK). This is the result of considerable research effort by members of the Dorking Local History Group. The book differs markedly from many local histories by researching mainly through the use of primary sources. The result is a fascinating impression of the worries and pleasures of the ordinary small town dweller in early Victorian times. Public health, schooling, church attendance, trading networks, methods of saving, social structure and local administration are among the many subjects debated on the basis of the new information. Discussion also focuses on family size, population change, movement in and out of the town and the care of the elderly. A quality of life is revealed far below that implied by the 'good old days'.

Pam Hunter's William Mullins, Pilgrim Father and his house in West Street, Dorking, (published by DLHG, 2000), price £2.50 (£3.00 with p+p UK). The fascinating story of how a Pilgrim Father, William Mullins, left his home in Dorking, which is still intact, and bravely sailed westward with his family on the Mayflower. It describes how one of his daughters, Priscilla, was made a national heroine overnight by Longfellow, in his sensitive long romantic poem. Mrs Hunter's book is therefore likely to attract readers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Enquiries to: Dorking Local History Group, c/o The Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS

To join the group contact the Membership Secretary at the above address.