Cobham Through Time

The Surrey town of Cobham grew up around two centres – Church Cobham around the mediaeval church of St Andrew, which also developed as the main commercial centre of the town in Victorian times, and Street Cobham along the old London-Portsmouth road, characterised by several large 18th century coaching inns. Further development followed the arrival of the railways, the station being built to the southeast of the town, beside today’s Chelsea FC training ground. At the other end of the town lies Painshill Park, a restored 18th century landscape park. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Cobham has seen a number of changes. The A3 and M25 now skirt the town, superstores have replaced some locally owned shops, other shops and the post office have moved or been newly built and businesses have come and gone.In spite of the many changes that have occurred in Cobham the town has retained its identity and many of its historical buildings. Using photographs from the private collections of six Cobham business families including an Edwardian professional photographer, many of which have never been published before, this fascinating selection of old and new images of Cobham will be essential reading for all those who know the town.