This is a re-working of my original outline sketch of the history of Elstead, first produced over fifteen years ago under the title “Yesterday in Elstead” and now, except for the out of print. I am very conscious of the fact that there is always more to learn about Elstead and no doubt in a few years there will be ample scope for yet another edition.

I would like to record my sincere thanks to Mrs Carol May, without whose help this book would never have seen the light of day, also Mr Clive Warren, for his help and information, and permission to use his picture collection. Mrs Prue Bardelli and Mrs May Deaville started me on this road over fifteen years ago, and I would like to repeat my thanks to them and all of those who then and since have supplied me with information. I hope they will pardon my deficiencies and enjoy reading about “Elstead Then and Now”. My thanks also go to Mr Alan Collis who labored to transfer my text to the Internet.

A special thank you to Mr Richard Holmes and Mr “Billy” Bennett for their lovely illustrations for the front and back covers respectively. I was particularly delighted that two local artists felt they would like to be involved with the production.

We are indebted to the Francis Frith Collection, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 5QP, www.francisfrith.co.uk for permission to reproduce the illustration of Elstead Village Hall, and the Surrey Archaeological Society for permission to reproduce the maps, the cover from the Parish Magazine, and the two pictures of Elstead Church, by Petrie and Saunders.

Gillian Drew