Molesey Thameside Heritage Marker Plaque

Who would have thought a cannon blast could herald the start of something so peaceful? On May 28th, 2004, the Molesey Thameside Heritage Marker was unveiled with a bang, quite literally. Shrapnel’s 18th Century Royal Artillery Battery fired a canon to mark the occasion. The Molesey Thameside Heritage Marker isn’t just a marker, it’s a testament to the rich history of this Thameside spot, a project dreamt up and brought to life by the residents of Hurst Park. Located near the Hampton-Molesey ferry, the Marker sits proudly beside the Thames Path and National Cycle Network, just a short walk from Sadler’s Ride Car Park. This £50,000 project was a true community effort, conceived, researched, designed, and funded by local residents. Molesey Councillor Ian Donaldson was the architect, incorporating the ideas of John Loney for the historical plaques and Charles Higgins for the analemmatic sundial. Paul Gossage delved into the history, using the work of local historian Rowland Baker. Artist Ken Cooper created the beautiful illustrations that adorn the marker. Molesey Councillor Peter Parker, CBE, chaired the project and coordinated the fundraising, a Herculean task that involved securing contributions from individuals, local councils, and businesses. Ninety-seven individual name plates were purchased for a minimum of £100 each, contributing over £10,000 to the project. Surrey County Council, through Councillor David Morris, provided around £20,000. Major sponsors, including SITA Environmental Services, JJ Gallagher and Barton Finch, the Hurst Park Precinct developers, and even Mercedes Benz, are recognized with their own special plaques on the surrounding seats. Interestingly, the seats, plaques, and that interactive “fun” sundial were crafted by sculptor Stephen Broadbent of Liverpool, while the base was constructed by Entech Services Limited of Essex. The Molesey Thameside Heritage Marker serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of community and the importance of preserving our shared history. So next time you’re strolling along the Thames Path, take a moment to appreciate this unique landmark, born from a vision and a cannon blast.