Nelly Thornton, Blue Plaque
June 9, 2026
Nelly (later known as Eleanor Velasco) Thornton was born in Stockwell, London, on 15th April 1880 to Frederick and Sarah Ann Thornton, who was also known as ‘Nellie’. They had a son, Frederick William, four years later. By September 1887 when their daughter Rose was born, the family were living in Leamington. Frederick Thornton, father
Hamilton Terrace, No 20
February 21, 2026
The Story of the House and a notable resident. Hamilton Terrace (called Hamilton Crescent until 1848) overlooks the broad avenue of Regent Grove (Holly Walk). The dwellings were built behind a carriage drive in 1833-1834. These are now mainly offices but functioned in early days as boarding houses or furnished lodgings for those visiting the spa
Rev Arthur Margoschis
December 1, 2025
Rev Arthur Margoschis was born in Leamington Spa in 1852. He died of ill-health at a relatively young age in 1908 in India. He had dedicated his life to the people of the village of Saan Pathu (now known as Nazareth) in Tamil Nadu, South India. Thanks to Leamington Town Council for these pages from
Camouflage Directorate Plaque
October 10, 2025
An article about the Camouflage Directorate which operated in Leamington in the Second Word War can be viewed HERE. This article shows the unveiling a commemorative plaque on the Regent Hotel on 24th September 2025 by the Mayor, Councillor Ruggy Singh. The hotel was the headquarters of the Directorate. The hotel was requisitioned by the
Alan George Griffin, 1941-2025
June 20, 2025
Sadly, we have to announce that Alan Griffin, long-term member and founder of the Leamington History Group, has died. Margaret Rushton has kindly written this summary of his life. Alan grew up in Southam, one of three sons of a baker who lived at Southam Windmill. He passed the 11+ and attended Leamington College until
Samuel Shepheard Stanley of Sydenham Farm, 1848 – 1921
April 17, 2025
Samuel Shepheard Stanley was one of four sons and four daughters of John and Sarah Stanley of Sydenham Farm. He was born in 1848 and with his siblings was taught at home by a governess. His older brother Joseph later became the farm manager, and eventually took over from their father. Another brother ran The
Balraj Singh Dhesi M.B.E
March 26, 2025
It was a fine day in Royal Leamington Spa as Balraj Singh Dhesi and his wife, Palweet, rose from bed and made special preparations for the day. It was 24th March 1988 and this was the day that they would meet Queen Elizabeth II as representatives of the residents of the town. We explore how
Roma Alice Warr
January 26, 2025
Roma Alice WARR / BENNETT / BILLINGTON My grandmother, Alice WARR was born in Neithrop, on the edge of Banbury, in 1887. Her father, Jason John WARR, was a coachman and the WARR family had been living mainly in South Newington – indeed, they were back there by 1891. Somewhat against the rules, Alice was
Admiral Sir George Cockburn
January 4, 2025
The Rear-Admiral who came to town. Contribution by David G.P. Morse Vice Chair and Archivist Leamington History Group Being involved with the Group’s website means that you get asked interesting questions and in some cases very interesting ones. One question that caused me to rush to the National Newspaper Archives was regarding one Rear-Admiral Sir
