CAN YOU HELP WITH THIS ENQUIRY?
“I’ve been helping a Welsh friend research her family history. She has just discovered from the 1939 register that her father, Reginald Thomas, who was killed at Arnhem, was working before the war as one of two chauffeurs at Knowle Park. I can find very little out about Knowle Park, apart from that it was the site of an early 19th century major house, which I believe may now have been restored and converted to a nursing home.
Has anything been published about Knowle Park that would give my friend some insight into the lifestyle at this establishment at which her father worked? This was previously a completely unknown part of his life following a falling-out between him and his parents on his return from university. It is unexpected too since he was from a farming background.
Any information you can give would be very much appreciated.From the 1939 register it appears that by then Knowle had either been sold or leased to an elderly stockbroker called Dermot Bendoe-Wilkinson, who lived there with his wife Vera, two daughters, and a son described as an “assistant stockbroker”, and they had a very large staff. Presumably Knowle became available for sale or rent after the death of the last of the Onslow family, who seem to have occupied it before, but the information on the various historical sites on line is difficult to make correct sense of by someone like me who isn’t familiar with this geographical area.”
Can I suggest you try Cranleigh History Society, they will probably have some helpful information.
You could try Joy Horn the local historian.
I lived at Knowle for a short time with my Grandmother back in the early 70’s when my she rented a flat which was joined to the main house. My Aunt was good friends with Bruce & Christina Mckenzie & they offered my Grandmother the flat to live in. I lived there with my Mum & brother too. We were only around 4 & 6 years old but I remember it so well. It was absolutely beautiful with the most amazing grounds which you could literally get lost in! My Aunt sadly lost touch with Christina, but I know she had two sons with Bruce who were a little older than me. It would be lovely to be in contact with them again. If anyone has any information, it would be much appreciated.
I have just seen your request and I may possibly be able to help you! I can confirm that Knowle was owned by Dermot Berdoe-Wilkinson who bought it in the 1930s. (1938?)The family owned it until 1960/61. I knew the family and the house very well between 1946 and when Vera Berdoe- Wilkinson died in 1960 or 61 and heard a lot about life there before the war. Please let me know what sort of information you are looking for.
My father bought Knowle in 1960, and we lived there until October 1970, when we moved to Lincolnshire. My father’s name was Gordon Harvey. Looking back on my childhood, it was bizarre, there was a chauffeur, cook and butler, secretary, three gardeners and maids. Then there were the farm workers, game keepers etc. It was quite an isolated place as a child, my mother became ill in 1965 and subsequently died in 1967. My father gave some land to Cranleigh Parish council in her memory and a few years ago, I got involved in trying to stop the council in selling the land for development, thankfully we won. When my older sister got married and moved away in 1969, it became an unhappy place. I remember the name Berdoe Wilkinson, there was a desk in the library with a brass plaque mentioning that name. The Cranleigh show was held in the park in front of the house every year, I can see my mother presenting a mass of silver cups. Alan Bristow took me up in his helicopter and we flew around the house and village, what a thrill. I have been back a couple of times and it’s sad to see it now. The large extensions, the carriage arch blocked in, the beautiful walled garden just derelict and the rose garden flattened. Magnificent trees are gone. The estate has subsequently been split so where gardeners cottages were, large million pound houses exist. It’s all changed out of all recognition. My father sold Knowle and the farm in October 1970 to Bruce McKenzie who had been the last white minister in Kenya. He was killed not many years later when back in Africa.
Dermot William Berdoe-Wilkinson (1882-1955), who served as High Sheriff of Surrey.
Reference: 8. Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England, Principal Probate Registry, London
I also found that he served as high sheriff in 1941
Reference: The London Gazette. 28 March 1941.
I may be able to give you a couple more pieces to the jigsaw. My nan and grandad were Ken and Nellie Buss. Ken was from Baynards and Nellie (nee Stevens) from Ewhurst. I remember grandad telling me that he was first groom at Knowle House before, due to the popularity of the motor vehicles, becoming chauffeur. My dad Ray was born in April 1937 in Virginia Water when nan and grandad were both in service as chauffeur and cook/housekeeper to the King and Queen of Siam who were living in Virginia Water in exile. In 1935 the King and Queen of Siam were staying at Knowle House which is where, I assume, they met my nan and grandad. During the war grandad served in the army and nan came back to live in Ewhurst with my dad. Unfortunately I cannot be more specific with the dates.
Hi I went to school with Bruce Mckenzies son and stayed at Knowle a few times in the 1980s. Lost contact many years ago
I have just read Mary Pankhurst’s comment above. I am a member of the Anglo-Thai society and looking for more information about the Thai King and Queen and their connection with the house in 1934-5. I am researching for a possible article and would be very grateful for any further information.
Thank you.
There is a very good YouTube video of the ex King and Queen of Thailand at Knowle in the 1930s, they appeared to have had a few houses in the South of England other than Knowle including one in Kent.
I noticed someone mentioned in a message the Thomas Allom engraving of Knowle, last year I bought a copy on eBay, but the print is of an older house, not the Dutch style house which is basic framework of what is seen today . In the background of the print you can make out the old stable block which appears not to have changed.
Anyone knew Bricklayer/Builder George Bellis??
T Allom made a drawing of Knowle being the seat of William Hanham and later engraved by T Prior. It was published in the early 1800s by Brayleys History of Surrey.
I have a copy