Mr John Barnes unveiling the blue plaque. Photo by Neil Hadrill.

On Saturday 22nd February the unveiling of the Bourne Society’s 30th blue plaque took place outside the Raja Tandoori at 4 High Street, Caterham-on-the-Hill. This latest plaque commemorates the Soldiers’ Home that occupied the building from 1898 until circa 1950.

For more information about the Bourne Society local history group and the location of the other 29 blue plaques visit www.bournesociety.org.uk

Before the unveiling, Bourne Society President, Roger Packham, explained the history of the Soldiers’ Home. He also described the grand ceremony that took place at its official opening on Friday October 28th, 1898 when the ceremony was performed by Lord Roberts of Kandahar V.C., the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland.

The unveiling of the blue plaque was performed by Caterham resident, Mr John Barnes, who was born in the building in 1944. His parents lived there because his father, Charles Barnes, was the last Superintendent of the Soldiers’ Home.