While Station Road is the commercial heart, the High Street is where Addlestone’s civic and social soul truly began. From revolutionary social experiments to “high-class” drapers, this stretch holds some of our town's most surprising stories.
1. Princess Mary’s Village Homes
Founded in 1871, this was a pioneering social project built as a "village" of cottages. While demolished in 1978, the original ornate iron gates (cast by the local Herring & Son foundry) still stand on the east side today.
2. The “Duke’s Head” Crossroads
Built around 1815, this famous pub became a 1960s music landmark. Local legend says a young Paul Simon performed here during his time on the UK folk circuit before it was replaced by modern apartments.
3. The “Bentall’s of Addlestone”
Once home to Tavener’s & Wyles, this was a massive drapery store known for high-quality fabrics and fashion. It served the town from the late 1800s until the mid-20th century where Glendinning House now stands.
4. John Cree & Hortus Addlestonensis
Famous nurseryman John Cree owned a large nursery where Bank House stands. His legacy remains at 24-24A High Street, a pair of beautiful cream-brick houses he built for his son in the 19th century.
A Street in Transition
Once the dense social heart of the town, the High Street has transitioned from its era of grand civic institutions and Victorian drapers into a vital residential and local service corridor that still retains its unique historic character.
Did You Know? The small row of shops on the west side of the High Street (dating to 1870) was originally known as Devonshire Terrace. Look up above the shopfronts to see the original Victorian features!
