Byfleet Heritage Society
Byfleet, as befits an ancient Parish, has had a number of very interesting residents over the years. A few of these are listed here and we would welcome suggestions for additions. Some past residents of the ancient Parish of Byfleet. This is a simple list to start the ball rolling. Please send in names and descriptions.
People in Byfleet
Harold Barnwell Well known Vickers test pilot. He is buried in St. Mary's churchyard. Black Prince Heir to the throne - spent much of time at Byfleet Robert Bolt & Sarah Miles Playwright & Actress Bert Denley Motor cycle racing star with strong Brooklands connections Stephen Duck Poet Sir John Whittaker Ellis MP and one time Lord Mayor of London. Lived at Petersham Place, now Lloyds Bank Sir James Fullerton MP. He completed the construction, begun by Anne of Denmark, of ‘a noble house built of brick’.
See www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1604-1629/member/fullerton-sir-james-1563-1631Duncan Hamilton Racing Driver Henry VIII King! Spent some of his childhood visiting Byfleet Leslie Hore-Belisha MP & Minister of Transport. Famous for the Belisha Beacon and the introduction of the driving test Hugh Locke King Owner of the Brooklands estate. Local benefactor and the builder of the Brooklands race circuit. Charles Kingsley's widow Widow of the famous author Buster Merryfield Actor, famous as Uncle Albert in 'Only Fools and Horses' Jacqueline Pearce Actress. She stared in Blake's 7 as Servalan.
She has a very interesting page on her Blog about growing up in Byfleet.
For an excellent read see: http://www.jacquelinepearce.com/ilovedmylifeinbyfleet.htmlSir Giles Gilbert Scott Architect who lived in the St Georges Hills area and was patron of Byfleet Scouts. He designed Waterloo Bridge and the red post box. He presented to Byfleet Scouts a silver Bugle which they still have today. Joseph Spence Poet. Cornelius Stoop Wealthy Dutch merchant and local benefactor who lived at West Hall. His son Adrian played rugby for Harlequins & England, hence the 'Quins ground is known as The Stoop Memorial Ground J G Parry Thomas Motor racing star and world speed record holder with strong Brooklands connections. He is buried in St. Mary's churchyard. Walter George Tarrant Builder of the St. George's Hill, Wentworth and Pyrford Woods estates. Bert Le Vack Motor cycle racing star with strong Brooklands connections. He is buried in St. Mary's churchyard.