Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com

Kitlands House

Kitlands, near Holmwood, 1860s.

Kitlands House, near Holmwood, Surrey, 1907

Caption for Kitlands - The first farmhouse seems to have been built about 1430. Probably some of the original building still forms part of the house. It was a meeting place of the Quakers in the time of Charles II. Tennyson, Edward Fitzgerald, and Arthur Hallam were frequent visitors at Kitlands in their early days. There are many rare shrubs and trees in the pleasure grounds. Photo by W.T.Pike and co, about 1905 when C.E.Heath was in residence before he took over Anstie Grange.

Kitlands House, a later view

Kitlands Holmwood

Kitlands, Holmwood - about 2020 - not sure if that is the same tree.

Sussex Advertiser

Tuesday 17 August 1847

Births.

Whatman - August 4, at Kitlands, near Dorking, the wife of W.G. Whatman Esq., of a daughter.

Morning Post

Wednesday 17 June 1857

Deaths.

Whatman - On the 12th inst. at Kitlands, near Dorking, aged eleven months, Mary Julia Whatman, youngest child of W.G. Whatman Esq.,

Croydon Chronicle & East Surrey Advertiser.

Saturday 27 June 1857

Deaths.

Whatman - June 15, at Kitlands, near Dorking, in his 8th year, Edward Godfrey Whatman, son of W.G. Whatman Esq.

Morning Post

Wednesday 10 April 1872

Marriages

Whatman - Fuller - On the 9th inst. at Trinity Church, Westcott, by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Winchester, assisted by the Rev. W.H. Kaslake and the Rev. Robert Sainsbury, George Dunbar, eldest son of William Godfrey Whatman Esq., of Kitlands, Dorking, to Frances, daughter of G. Arthur Fuller Esq., of the Rookery, Dorking.

John Bull.

Saturday 26 April 1879

Marriages.

April 23, at Coldharbour, Surrey, Henry Elliot Malden M.A., of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, second son of the late Henry Malden Esq., of University College, London, to Margaret Eleanor, daughter of the late W.G. Whatman of Kitlands, Dorking.

Saturday 19 August 1882
Surrey Mirror

Coldharbour Flower Show.

A village flower show and exhibition of works of local art and industry took place the grounds of Kitland, Holmwood, on Thursday. It is the first time anything the sort has been attempted in Coldharbour, and the event has been looked forward to with considerable pleasure by the inhabitants of this delightful little village

The exhibition was confined to the inhabitants of Coldharbour and to persons employed in the pariah.
The industrial department consisted of articles made the inhabitants during the last winter,and which were offered for sale with the object of enoouraging local talent and industry.

The Coldharbour Drum and Fife Band was in attendance, under the conductorship of Mr. E. M Pcake and performed various selections of music during the afternoon in a creditable nanrer. The exhibition took place in a large marquee on the grounds of Kitlands, which for the occasion by Mr. D. D. Heath, who also threw open his well kept grounds to the population on the occasion.

We may mention that Mr. Heath also gave a garden party in connection with the show.
There was a great variety exhibits, including articles of clothing, mats, patchwork. &c.,which had been made by the children attending Coldharbour Schools and the inhabitants generally. At the farther end of the marquee was exhibited a Collection of curiosities by Capt. Malden, amongst which we may mention a case containing a variety old English medals and coins, dating from the time of Ethelred in the year 950. Another case contained a variety of foreign coins, whilst yet another by its side showed a fine collection of Greek and Roman coins.

Capt. Malden also exhibited a carved marble head taken from a theatre at Athens, the dagger and sheath of a Scottish archer of the French Guard of the 15th century, lord Falkland's snuffbox (found on his body after the battle of Newbury Field, 1643), one of the vertebrae of a whale and the backbone of a shark.
Mr. Sparks (Etherley Farm) exhibited a portion of a Saxon coffin found upon his farm; Mrs. Carter a Japanese perfume box, a collection foreign coins, and two Indian gods; Mr. D. D. Heath some carved objects found in a Greek tomb, and also a model Kitlan House. Some spoons carved by a cripple named Jay also attracted the attention the visitors. A safety rocking horse, made by a carpenter named Knight, was also exhibited, and drew forth considerable praise.

- - - The principal patrons of this exhibition were Mr F. Pennington, Mr Evelyn, Mr C. Bosquet, Mr D.D.Heath, Capt. H.E. and Mrs Malden

Saturday 5 January 1884
Runcorn Examiner

The Examiner. - To the Financial Reform Almanack, with which for fullness, accuracy and clearness. no other production of a like character can be compared - we are indebted for the figures which we give below.

A most instructive portion of the Almanack is that which relates to the pension list. From this we learn that twelve months payments in connection with the Royal Family have absorbed of public money no less than £886,973, exclusive of the cost on the Royal parks, which amount to £114,823. - - - There are, in fact, 140,000 pensioners swallowing up the whole of the income tax laid on the national profits for last year.

The blue ribbon of the pension list is held by a Mr D.D.Heath, who had drawn no less than £114,700; - - -

Saturday 15 August 1885
Surrey Advertiser

Coldharbour. - The annual show of vegetables, flowers, &c., to which is added an industrial exhibition, took place on Friday last at Kitlands, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. D. D. Heath, who always takes the greatest interest in the exhibition and its success.

Coldharbour is by no means a large parish, but the exhibition was an excellent one, and despite rather frequent showers which fell during the afternoon, it proved a success. much of this being due to the general co-operation of the villagers, and the support accorded the show by Mr. Heath, who kindly threw open his garden for the inspection of visitors.

Mr. and Mrs. Malden generally managed the arrangements, the large marquee in which the exhibition was held being erected by Mr. Kendall, of Dorking. The band of the West Surrey Volunteers was in attendance under the direction of Mr. Pringeur, and played a capital selection throughout the afternoon.
Despite the wet there was a fair number of visitors present, and among the home party were the Dowager Marchioness of Hertford, Sir Leopold Heath, K.C.B., Sir William Bowman, Bart., Mr. F. Pennington, M.P., and about 60 ladies and gentlemen. Some of the entries in the industrial exhibition reflected great credit upon the senders, and among other interesting objects sent was a raised map of Coldharbour and neighbourhood, with every house and footpath marked, models of the British strongholds at Anstiebury and Holmbury, and of two Roman camps.

The prizes were afterwards distributed by the Vicar, the Rev. R. A. Pelly. The judges were Miss Dryden and Miss Cole for needlework, and Mr. W. Cattley and Mr. Vickery for garden productions

Great regret was expressed at the somewhat sudden death of Mr Sparkes, of Etherlea, one of the staunch supporters of the show. He was prevented from attending by what was thought to be a slight illness only, but before his son (Mr R.J.Sparkes) could reach home from the show he was taken worse and expired.

Friday 13 July 1888
West Surrey Times

Holmwood
At the invitation of Mrs Malden,the cottagers held a show and sale of work in a marquee on the grounds of Kitlands on Wednesday. The band of the 1st Vol.Batt. "The Queen's' were in attendance. (See report under Coldharbour heading).

Coldharbour

An Exhibition of Art and Industry was held in the grounds of Mr D.D.Heath, Kitlands, on Wednesday. The band the Surrey Volunteers in attendance and the gardens were kindly thrown open to the public.

Fine weather, a great desideratum upon such occasions was the only item wanted Unfortunately showers alternated sunshine (with a preponderance of the former) during the afternoon and evening but notwithstanding the attendance was very satisfactory, the extensive booth (erected by Messrs Kendall Dorking) at times quite crowded.

There were about 500 articles exhibited consisting of carpentry, carving, moulding, brass-work, drawing, painting, needlework and cut-flowers, vegetables, fruit, provisions, curiosities, etc

In fact the heterogeneous character of the exhibits was such to inspire a quantity flowing rhyme from the village poet laureate. Considering that every article excepting the curiosity class was produced in the parish too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the industry of the inhabitants.

The great success of the exhibition was with the hearty cooperation of all concerned, due to indefatigable exertions of Mr H E Malden MA and Mrs Malden. The judging the Misses Hadow, Major Malden (Brighton) and competent gardener from Holinbury gave great satisfaction.

Twenty money prizes were kindly given by the Dowager Marchioness of Hertford, twenty by Mrs Field and others by Miss Field, Mr and Mrs Malden, etc.

The Misses Hadow who have been judges since 1882 could but expatiate upon the great improvement in this year’s exhibits both in quantity and quality. At the close the prizes were distributed by Mrs Malden on the lawn. The Rev R Arnold Pelly and Major Malden proposed votes to all the promoters of the exhibition which were seconded the hearty cheers of the exhibitors and visitors

Saturday 11 August 1888
Surrey Mirror

The enclosed comparative view of four Industrial Exhibitions in Coldharbour, (pop. under 600) may be of use and interest if published, as showing what may be done for the encouragement and improvement of local industry and taste.

The total expenses, including a band, average under £28, against which may be put the gate-money. I am, your obedient servant, H. E. MALDEN- Kitlands, August 4, 1883.

"COLDHARBOUR Exhibition and Flower Show. —The fourth of these very popular exhibitions took place on July 11th, in a large marquee erected at Kitlands, where the garden was thrown open by Mr. Heath.
This was by far the best exhibition of any, for not only were more things sent, but the quality of the work had immensely improved since the first exhibition 1882. It is scarcely too much to say that it could not have been better. The prize list will show what were the principal things, but special notice may be taken of the brasswork done by Mrs. Maiden's class in the winter. Being something new, it attracted good deal attention and admiration, and was all sold very quickly.

Then there was a collection of pre-historic flint implements, or rather fragments of flint implements, found on Leith Hill Mr. Maiden who also showed map of Surrey as it appeared at the time of the Doomsday Survey in 1066.

Some of the needlework was as good as it could possibly be. Unfortunately, the weather was unfavourable, and kept away many visitors, but, in spite of the showers, about 500 people were present. The band of the West Surrey Vol

unteers played indefatigably during the afternoon, and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves.
About 8.30, the prizes, 137 in number, were given away by Mr. and Mrs. Malden. Special prizes had been offered by Mrs. Field, of Cockshotts, and her friend Mrs. Beeton, and the Miss Hadows. The Dowager Marchioness of Hertford, Miss Broadwood, and Sir Trevor Lawrence, M.P., also kindly gave prizes, and Miss Field gave one for children under ten. Only four infants competed, and they all got prizes.
Owing to the lateness of the season, the fruit and vegetables were not so numerous as before, but the flowers were much better than usual. There were 192 exhibits in the flower show and of other things the extraordinary number, of 486; total 678; shown by about 230 different exhibitors, which seems very wonderful for so small a parish.

The judges for the flower show were Major Malden, of Brighton, and Mr. Cornish, gardener Sir William Bowman; and for the exhibition, the Miss Hadows, who spent the whole of two days over their work, examining every article most thoroughly. The judging is a most difficult and anxious business, but it seems to have been very successful, and to have given great satisfaction on the whole, though it is too much to expect that all the 500 spectators should agree with it entirely. At the end of the day, it was found that goods had been sold to the amount £26. 16s., which, with the prizes amounting to £12 11s., makes nearly £40 distributed in the parish.

Coldharbour may therefore well pleased with the result of all the trouble and pains that have been taken to make this show a success. A short statement is appended, giving comparison of all four Industrial Exhibitions. ----

Wednesday 12 September 1888
Morning Post
Malden - ON the 7th inst. at Kitlands, the wife of H.E.Malden, of a son.

Saturday 3 November 1888
Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser

A "Spill." - A collision between a furniture van, the property of Messrs. Kendall & Son. and a brougham belonging to Mr. Douglas Heath, of “ Kitlands,” Holmwood, occurred near the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Station on Saturday evening.

It appears that the furniture van was returning to Dorking from Leatherhead, and had reached the road that leads to the station when the brougham, drawn by a spirited horse, passed by quickly in the direction of the station. The hind wheels of both vehicles collided, and as the brougham was the most lightly built, the wheels of that conveyance, with the axletree, were tom from the springs, and the hind part of the carriage fell to the ground.

Messrs. Kendall's van was not at all damaged, nor did the occupants of the brougham sustain any injury.

Globe.

Tuesday 28 September 1897

Deaths.Heath - On the 25th inst. at Kitlands, Holmwood, Surrey, Douglas Denon Heath Esq., J.P., formerly Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and for many years Judge of the Bloomsbury County Court, in his 87th year.

Thursday 25 November 1897
Daily Telegraph & Courier (London)

Earth to Earth Burial
The will of Mr Douglas Denon Heath J.P., of Kitlands, Dorking, for many years the Judge of the Bloomsbury County Court, who died on Sept. 25 was proved on Nov.6 by Admiral Sir Leopold George Heath K.C.B., the brother: Mr Henry Elliot Malden, the nephew; and Mr Richard Wright, the executors; the value of the personal estate being £7,583 12s 2d.

The testator bequeaths £1,000 each to the two sons of his brother, Mr Dunbar Heath; £200 each to his nephews Herbert, and Gerard Heath, and a few specific legacies.

He devises certain land and cottages at Coldharbour to his brother Admiral Sir Leopold Heath,and the remainder of his real estate to his nephew Mr. Arthur Raymond Heath.

The residue of his personal estate he leaves to his nieces, Julia Heath, Mary Anne Heath, Margaret Emma Malden, Emma L. Forbes,and Marion Crofton.

The late Judge Heath desired to be buried in the simplest manner, with "no trumpery, no brick grave, and no further interference with the natural earth to earth than custom should be thought to require. - city press

Monday 2 November 1896
Surrey Advertiser

Dorking and District Industrial, Fine Art and Loan Exhibition.
With the object of reviving the old handicrafts which once flourished in England, and of encouraging the work of the County Council Technical Education scheme of seeking to induce the rising generation to add to their resources and powers of enjoyment, and to their value as work-people, an exhibition of home arts and industries was opened at the Public Hall on Tuesday, and continued on the following day. - - -

The President is Sir Trevor Lawrence Bart., and the executive comprise the Rev. H. Roberts (Chairman), - - - Mrs Malden - - - Sir Leopold Heath K.C.B., exhibited swords, used by the Dyaks of Borneo, and adorned with the hair of their enemies, and the special constable's staff with which he himself was armed during the Chartist Riots in London in 1848. - - - Mr C.A.White, a model of the old Dorking market house, and Mr W. Songhurst, one of the Parish Church in 1870. - - and others which also attracted much attention were Nelson relics, including a log book kept by him, and written with his left hand, when in command of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1803. This was shown by Miss Farmer, Knoll Rd.

Tuesday 6 June 1899
Surrey Mirror

Coldharbour
An Alarming Smash
On Wednesday morning the coachman and a gardener in the employ of Mr. Cuthbert Heath, of Kitlands, were trying a new horse in his brougham, and while descending the steep hill just above Henhurst Cross, the animal became unmanageable, and bolted.

The men jumped off and the horse continued its mad career, past Henhurst Lodge, towards Beare Brickyard, but getting close to the left hand side of the road, the wheels struck one of the roadside posts, overturning the carriage, which was dragged for about 20 yards, and considerably damaged. ( The horse, which was badly injured, was at once secured and led home by the tenant of the lodge.

The coachman, who received an injury to one ankle, was taken care of at the lodge, until he was fetched home in a pony cart by his employer.

Friday 3 October 1902
Surrey Mirror

Harvest Home at Kitlands

Forty years ago a harvest home consisted of the congregated farm employees feasting on beef puddings and strong beer sop (biscuits soaked in ale). This style is now obsolete, a revolution has taken place, and those who were fortunate enough to be present at Kitlands last Saturday had ocular demonstration of this fact.

Saturday was a festal day and an ideal day at Kitlands. Mr and Mrs Cuthbert E. Heath, with thoughtful consideration and generous liberality, entertained their house, farm, and garden employees, fathers, mothers, children and invitees, at Minnick Farm.

The programme of proceedings was after this wise: Dinner at 12.30, cricket match and sports in the afternoon, tea at 5.30, concert in the evening. The oblong, brick built, spacious barn was converted into a veritable banquetting house. The walls were draped with sheeting, and a striking effect was produced by innumerable flags and festoons of evergreens, flowers, lamps, etc.

This was due to the efforts of Messrs. Edwards, Hoddinott, Mayes and Miss Harmer. A most sumptuous dinner was placed on the table by Mr. and Mrs. Lipscomb, of the Plough Inn. It consisted of cold joints of beef, mutton, ham and veal, with hot plum puddings, and sweets and salads various. Seventy six sat down to dinner, after which Mr. Cuthbert E. Heath made an appropriate speech, loyal and patriotic, to which the butler responded.

There were then cheers, loud and long, accompanied with "Surrey fire." The two sides for cricket were then formed, Anstie Grange cricket eleven versus Kitlands eleven;the former scored 56 and the latter 89. Mr Cuthbert E. Heath was in capital form and made 25 not out. Captain Heath, on the Anstie side, made 20 and was bowled. The captain may be remembered of the Victoria notoriety, when that splendid battleship was un-necessarily rammed by the Camperdown. The captain went down, but fortunately he could swim, and thus managed to save himself.

The tea was now partaken of, a most liberal spread, at which there were present mine host and hostess, the Rev. J. Harding (vicar), with Miss and Miss E. Harding. Lighted lamps now appeared as if by magic, and music and harmony commenced. Mr Moore manipulated the gramophone and caused much amusement. The Coldharbour Drum and Fife Band discoursed music during the afternoon and evening, interspersed with song, dance and recitations.

Young Master Leopold Heath gave very satisfactorily a song called the "Motor Car," and was heartily clapped.

The ladies and gentlemen left in the middle of the evening amidst thanks and vociferous cheers. Harmony and dances went on till ten o'clock, when the company left, after having had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Mr. and Mrs Cuthbert Heath enhanced the enjoyment by entering heartily into akll the proceedings. Admiral Sir Leopold Heath, K.C.B., visited the party during the day, but stayed for a short time only owing to the slight indisposition from cold

Saturday 16 May 1903
Surrey Advertiser

Death of an Interesting Centenarian
There has recently been laid to rest in the churchyard at Coldharbour the remains of James Dudley, a life-long resident of the village, who died a few days before his 101st birthday. Much interest was taken last autumn in the celebration of his centenary, the villagers on that occasion presenting him with a bag containing 100 shillings, - - -

The deceased was comparatively hale and hearty up to quite recently, but during the last few months he had been confined to his bed. He was born in Coldharbour on Michaelmas Day, 1802, and commenced to earn his own livelihood at the early age of eight by working in the old Dorking flint pits. For the period of 63 years - from 1823 - he was employed at Kitlands, the estate of Mr Cuthbert Heath, and gave up work in 1886. Deceased's recollections carried him back to events associated with the battle of Waterloo, at which time tea was 8s. per lb, and sugar 1s. 2d. - - - among others who attended were Admiral Sir Leopold Heath and his daughter, Mrs Crofton. A telegram was received from Mr Cuthbert Heath, who was unable to be present, and Mr and Mrs H.E.Malden of Guildford, formerly of Kitlands, sent a letter of sympathy. Employees on the Kitlands estate acted as bearers, and a number of beautiful wreaths from members of the family and friends were placed on the grave.

Some additional details

We are indebted to Mr H.E.Malden, of St.Catherine's, Guildford for the following additional particulars, which will be read with great interest:-

On Wednesday, May 6th, there died at Coldharbour, James Dudley, who was probably the oldest native of Surrey. He was born on September 29th 1802, and was therefore one hundred years and seven months old. He was born in Coldharbour, at a house where now the Plough Inn stands - the old inn was nearer the "top of the harbour," that is, nearer to Dorking. The house was then in Dorking parish; it is now in Capel. He was never for any length of time away from his native place. In 1824 he was working on the farm at Kitlands, when it was bought by Mr Serjeant Heath, and he was working there so long as he could work at all, for the same family of employers. He was about the village till October 1901, since then he had been laid up. - - Within the last twenty years he told me that he had not been confined to to his bed since 1814 when he had smallpox. - - -

The funeral service was read over him in Coldharbour Church last Saturday. It was not built till he was a man of 46. He was a regular communicant there while his health lasted. He sleeps hard by his late employer, Mr Douglas Heath, who, born more than eight years after him, died nearly six years before him, at a ripe old age. - - -

Field

Saturday 20 June 1908

To Let, Furnished, till Sept 29.

Kitlands, one mile from Holmwood Station, quarter mile from Coldharbour Church; nineteen bed and dressing rooms, for reception; electric light; swimming bath; beautiful grounds; extensive views - "A.R.H.," North Breach, Ewhurst, Guildford.

Diary of Genesta Heath (aged 18) - Friday 27th April 1917

Kitlands is another family home, said to date from Saxon times. It is a rambling old house, enlarged from time to time, and set in a wonderful garden. Here there are walls of rhododendrons, glades of roses and azaleas and some exotic and quite famous trees, brought back from distant lands by my grandfather, the sailor Leopold Heath (Admiral Sir Leopold Heath), and given to his brother Douglas who was a dedicated gardener.

West Sussex County Times.

Saturday 23 October 1920

An engagement is announced between Frederick Dunbar Heath, captain, Sussex Yeomanry, only surviving son of Mr and Mrs A.R. Heath of Kitlands, Holmwood, Surrey, and Dorothy Nairne, only daughter of Mr F.A. Spencer, late assistant secretary Government of Bombay, and Mrs Spencer, of 46 Woodbury Park Rd, Tunbridge Wells.

West Sussex Gazette

Thursday 4 October 1928

Wanted. Parlourmaid, good single-handed, wanted. Five servants - Mrs Heath, Kitlands, Holmwood, Surrey.

West Sussex Gazette

Thursday 3 September 1953

By orders of Exors. of Mrs F.J. Heath deceased. Kitlands, Coldharbour.

The contents of Antiquie and other Household Furniture, Including bedroom suites, chests of drawers, bedding, linen, blankets, fur coats, occasional tables and chairs, Axminster, Indian and Turkey carpets and hearth rugs. Persian rugs, oil paintings, water-colours and engravings, books, Valuable Dresden China. Silver and plate, chinese cabinets, library table, mahogany dining table and chairs, 2 grandfather clocks, bracket clock. Broadwood and White piano, china cabinets, bureaux and desk cupboards, bookcases, wireless set, electric fires, refrigerator, kitchen equipment.

To be sold by auction - White and Sons.On Wednesday 30th September 1953 at 11 o'clock.

On view Monday, 28th September 1953, from 10 am. to 4pm. Catalogues (1s) of the Auctioneers. 104 High St, Dorking Tel. Dorking 3253

Kitlands by Julia Heath