Hidden Surrey - Stories that lie beneath our feet

From archives to archaeology, uncovering Surrey’s stories above and below ground

In honour of Surrey Day (9 May) and Local and Community History month, we are going underground to uncover fascinating facts and stories from across the county.

Looking at the layers of soil and rock, the past and present - there are many hidden treasures that lie beneath our feet.

Become a local history detective by using the many online indexes and research guides from Surrey History Centre to discover fascinating facts and stories about your local area.

Keep reading to discover the story of the forgotten spoon, the lost case-book and the engineering firm from Guildford that shaped everyday life across the world.

The solider who lost his spoon

In 2019, the Surrey County Archaeology Unit (SCAU) excavated Witley Camp near Godalming, once a major First World War military camp that housed around 20,000 British and Canadian soldiers. During the dig, archaeologists uncovered a spoon stamped with a service number. Research revealed it belonged to John Baxter, a Canadian soldier who trained at Witley before serving in France.

Baxter arrived in Britain in 1916, was wounded the following year, married an English woman, Nellie Martin, and later returned to Witley after the armistice. At some point, he lost his spoon — which remained buried for more than 100 years. The small find turned out to be a powerful personal link to Surrey’s wartime past.

A forgotten case book

Another remarkable discovery was a long‑lost medical case book from The Manor Hospital in Epsom, missing for more than 30 years. Dating from 1900 to 1901, the volume records the medical histories of 250 women, including personal details and photographic portraits.

Although many hospital records were rescued before the hospital closed in 1995, this case book had vanished. It was eventually found in a Kingston attic, and its significance recognised after the owners watched Who Do You Think You Are?, which featured Surrey History Centre. They contacted the Centre, allowing the book to be reunited with the county archive.

More than a set of clinical notes, the volume offers a rare and moving insight into Victorian‑era mental health care and the lives of women whose stories were largely forgotten. Its rediscovery has renewed hope that other missing records from Surrey’s former mental hospitals may yet be found.

From Guildford to global

Dennis Brothers Ltd is one of Surrey’s best‑known engineering success stories. Founded as a small cycle shop in Guildford in 1895, it grew into a global manufacturer of buses, fire engines and specialist vehicles that shaped everyday life for generations. Although production in Guildford ended in 2021, its legacy lives on.

Surrey History Centre preserves an extensive archive of drawings, photographs and records, while the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford now cares for a growing collection of Dennis vehicles, ensuring this important part of Surrey’s history is not forgotten.

The Surrey History Centre

Surrey History Centre collects and rescues archives relating to Surrey's past and present. It is also home to the Surrey County Archaeology Unit (SCAU), established more than 20 years ago, where the past from both above and below the ground is preserved. Check out the SCAU Facebook page to keep up to date with archaeological projects across the county.

These archives are held at the Surrey History Centre in Woking. Within this building, there are six miles of shelving which holds documents. These documents date from the 12th century to the present day and include parish records, tithe maps and Tudor letters, estate papers, hospital records and early watercolours. Preserving the memories and history of its people for future generations to enjoy.

Surrey Day (9 May)

Surrey Day 2026 brings communities together across towns, villages and attractions to celebrate everything that makes Surrey such a special place to live, work and visit.

The theme for this year's celebrations is Going Underground and uncovering Surrey’s Hidden Treasures.

Here are some of the events happening across the county on Saturday 9 May:

• Surrey Artists at Surrey History Centre
• Ripley Farmer’s Market
• Hidden treasures of the Silent Pool
• Surrey Day Tour 2026 at Brookwood Military Cemetery
• 2 for 1 entry into Watts Gallery
• Children’s crafternoon event at Oxted Library. Make your own Coat of Arms for Surrey Day. Suitable for children aged 5 plus. Cost: £1.50 per child. Just drop in, no need to book.