LGBT+ History Month 2025

February is LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+) History Month!

Edward Carpenter by F Holland Day, 1900 with permission from National Portrait Gallery.

Surrey has a rich LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+) history. The collections at Surrey History Centre share stories from 18th-century punishments to 21st-century Pride. For over 20 years, Surrey Heritage has celebrated LGBT+ History Month. This year, we are focusing on the life of Edward Carpenter, tying into the national theme of Activism and Social Change.

Edward Carpenter: A Life of Liberty & Love, 4 to 27 February 2025

Edward Carpenter was a key cultural and political figure. From 1922 to 1929, he lived in Guildford with his partner, George Merrill. Carpenter is known as the founding father of gay rights in England. He was also a strong advocate for social reform, fighting for women's right to vote, free love, recycling, and prison reform. He was deeply involved in the literature of his time. This free display is available during normal opening hours in the foyer at Surrey History Centre.

New Surrey LGBT+ research

For LGBT+ History Month, we're sharing a new case study about Alfreda Withers on Exploring Surrey's Past website. Surrey Heritage Apprentice, Gemma researched Alfreda's story. Born in Wales, Alfreda bought the Duxhurst Farm Estate near Reigate in 1949 and became a well-known local figure. Learn more about Alfreda and why local LGBTQ+ history matters.

National campaign faces with Surrey connections

One of this year's LGBT+ History Month campaign faces is social reformer Octavia Hill. She co-founded the National Trust with Sir Robert Hunter, whose papers are kept at Surrey History Centre. Hill died in 1912, and a memorial for her stands at Hydon's Ball near Godalming. This spot, one of Surrey's highest points, offers amazing views of the countryside. Garden designer, writer, and artist Gertrude Jekyll planted shrubs at the site.

Help us document more local LGBTQ+ history!

You can help preserve the history of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+) people in Surrey. By sharing records like photos, personal stories, or local LGBTQ+ facts, you can ensure this history isn't lost. To contribute to our archives, contact Surrey History Centre.

Why not help us expand the Surrey LGBTQ+ Heritage Map? This online map, created by the Historic Environment Record and Surrey History Centre, highlights LGBTQ+ people, places, and stories across Surrey. Click on the map to discover trailblazing Surrey LGBTQ+ people, connections, places and spaces. If you know of more LGBTQ+ heritage in Surrey to add, Surrey Heritage would love to hear from you!