The primary objective of the Society is to promote an interest in the local history of the area. In doing so, we aim to study, preserve and document its rich heritage and to develop and increase our members’ knowledge of the area’s history, through research, events and memories.

As well as Esher, the Society covers the area of the former Esher Urban District Council. This includes Claygate, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood, Weston Green, Oxshott, Cobham, Stoke D’Abernon, East and West Molesey.

The Society was formed in 1968 by a volunteer committee of local historians, who have, along with their successors, built a flourishing historical community and whose energy and diligence have created a considerable archive of records and photographs that might otherwise have been lost. We extend our grateful thanks to those who started this Society and those who have succeeded them, both in their work as historians and as members of the committee who have made the Society so successful in its aims.

Membership of the Society costs £15 per year from January 1st to December 31st, or £8 from July 1st to December 31st. There are regular talks by guest speakers, held in Claygate, at which members  and others can also meet and socialise. The talks are open to all and are free of charge for members; £3 for non-members. We also arrange occasional historical walks, and trips to places of interest. New members are always very welcome, and are encouraged to contact the Society with their own research enquiries and interests, including family history, or with any other suggestions or comments.