A hush falls over the landscape as we approach Kingswood. Can you feel the weight of history settling on your shoulders? Don’t worry, it’s a comforting weight, filled with fascinating stories and intriguing characters. Kingswood, a charming village nestled in the Surrey Hills, boasts a history as rich and layered as the earth beneath our feet.
While the name Kingswood might conjure images of sprawling forests fit for royalty, the village’s history is a bit more nuanced. The name, as it turns out, likely comes from an Edward King, a tenant of Dulwich Manor back in 1535. Over the centuries, Kingswood has seen its fair share of transformations, from a secluded hamlet to a bustling hub thanks to the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century.
One of the most captivating chapters in Kingswood’s story involves a man named John Lawson Johnston. He wasn’t royalty, but he did invent something quite powerful: Bovril. This beef extract, a Victorian sensation, brought Johnston considerable wealth, and he chose to invest it right here in Kingswood. You see that grand Victorian mansion with the battlements, Kingswood House? Locals used to call it “Bovril Castle,” a testament to Johnston’s legacy. Johnston, a staunch Jacobite, even had a room dedicated to the Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie.
After Johnston, the Kingswood Warren estate changed hands a few times. One notable owner was Cosmo Bonsor, a brewing magnate who, amongst other things, was instrumental in bringing the railway to Kingswood. He was known for his business acumen but also for his generosity and larger-than-life personality.
Today, Kingswood retains its village charm while embracing modern life. The echoes of its past are still present, woven into the fabric of its streets and buildings. Kingswood invites you to step back in time while enjoying the comforts of the present, a unique blend of history and modernity.