Richard Jefferies and Cesar Picton
Don't miss two new leaflets about two of Kingston's famous past residents. The first is 19th century writer and naturalist, Richard Jefferies, and the other, Cesar Picton, who came from Senegal in 1761.
Richard Jefferies, 1848 to 1887, lived in Surbiton for around 6 years and a number of his writings contain references to Tolworth and the surrounding area. The leaflet is designed to help lovers of Jefferies' books find and examine what remains of the places near Surbiton that inspired him. We are grateful to the Richard Jefferies Society for working with us on this.
To celebrate Black History Season, the Museum has produced this new leaflet about Cesar Picton, black servant of Sir John Phillips of Norbiton, who came from Senegal in 1761. He later became a successful local businessman. Thank you to the Kingston upon Thames Archaeological Society for permission to use their research paper, Picton House and the People Connected with it. The latter, a comprehensive study of Picton House in High Street, Kingston, is now out-of-print but copies can be seen in our Local History Room. There is a plaque mounted on the building to commemorate Cesar's life.
Both our new leaflets can be obtained from the Museum Shop or the Local History Room price 50 pence each. Please send a stamped addressed envelope if you would like them posted to you.
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