The ERA is keen to ensure that Esher’s illustrious past plays a strong part in describing the town and reflects in its future.

Our campaigning has seen several historic buildings listed and protected, notably Cobblestone Cottage at the top of More Lane in 2015.

The Blue Plaque scheme remembers sculptors, notable lawyers and such disparate residents as former Beatle George Harrison, Ada Byron, Countess of Lovelace (the world’s first computer programmer) and John Cobb, once the fastest man on earth.

The ERA has put up the following Blue Plaques:

1. Francis J Williamson 1833-1920 Sculptor and Artist. His plaque was erected on “The Grapes Cottage”, 79 The High Street  (Erected 2010)
2. Leslie George Scarman, Baron Scarman, OBE, PC 1911-2004 English judge and barrister. His plaque was erected on 11 Lammas Lane where he lived from 1950-1959 (Erected 2012)
3. Jane Porter 1776-1850 and Anna Maria Porter 1780-1832 Authors and Playwrights. Their plaque was presented by the Mayor of Elmbridge on “ABC Music”, 85 (Alderlands) The High Street  (Erected 2014)
4. Augusta Ada Byron Countess of Lovelace 1815-1852 Mathematician. The plaque was erected on Sandown House, 1 The High Street and presented by the Mayor of Elmbridge (Erected 2014)
5. John Rhodes Cobb 1899-1952 Racing Driver. His plaque was erected on Cranmere Primary School the site of his family home “The Grove”. The plaque was unveiled by Richard Noble OBE (Erected 2016)
6. George Harrison MBE 1943-2001 Lead guitarist, songwriter and singer with the Beatles. The plaque was erected on 16 Claremont Drive the site of “Kinfauns” his home from 1964-1970. The plaque was unveiled by Pattie Boyd the former Model, who was married to Harrison from 1966 – 1974 (Erected 2017)
7. Bill Bedford OBE, AFC, FRAeS 1920-1996 Test pilot. His plaque was erected on “The Chequers” West End Lane where he lived from 1968-1996. The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Elmbridge (Erected 2019)

More details on the Blue Plaques will be coming soon…