The 1939 ‘census’ gives a useful insight into the people moving into the estate.
The initial National Registration Bill was introduced to Parliament as an emergency measure at the start of the Second World War. It provided for the establishment of a constantly-maintained national register of the civilian population of the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. The lack of both the 1931 and 1941 censuses means that “the register provides the most complete survey of the population of England and Wales between 1921 and 1951, making it an invaluable resource for family, social and local historians”
Russell House
The 1939 register shows that the property, “The Russells Nursing Home”, was probably being used as a private mental nursing home. Nine residents are listed including Sir Horatio Machie a retired civil servant and an artist, Aileen Walker;
- MACKIE, SIR HORATIO G.A. CBE. (1868-1940) – Consul-General, Buenos Aires, 1913-1920; Consul General, Paris, 1920-1930.
- Aileen Walker (nee Hollely), an artist who also died in 1940. Aileen was probably the wife of Leonard Walker RBA RE RI (10 March 1877 – 13 June 1964) who was a British painter and stained glass designer.
There were also at least 30 staff, including nurses, some listed as mental nurses, as well as cooks and 8 maids.
Russell Farm Lodges
In 1939 Horace Perkins, Builder and Contractor, with his wife Isabella is living in South Lodge, the original 1835 Russell Farm Lodge.
Also in 1939 Alexander Hedderwick, a Retired Head Gardener is living at Cottage, the Russells Hempstead Road with his wife Mary. Hedderwick is the grandfather of Alex Bannister mentioned elsewhere. This is probably the East Lodge.
In 1939 Arthur S Copcutt, second gardener, is one of the men living at Cottage, Russells Farm. In 1937 he was living at Chiswick House – presumably working for Macaulay.
Russell Estate – ‘new’ houses
Extract from 1939 census for Courtlands Drive no’s 28 to 47 (names removed)
Occupations include;
- Commercial Traveler
- Works Manager
- Café Proprietor
- Garage Proprietor
- Railway Clerk
- Stereotyper (Printing)
- Unpaid Domestic Duties
Courtlands Drive 68-86A (names removed).
Occupations include;
- Grocer Shopkeeper
- Shop Manager
- Signwriter & Decorator
- Process Engravers Salesman
- Local Government Officer
- Estate Agent
- Printing Machine Manager
- Unpaid Domestic Duties
Goodwood Avenue
Goodwood Parade
It isn’t clear exactly when the shops were built but they are shown on the estate plan in 1934 and appear in an aerial photo of 1936. By 1937 owner details are appearing in local directories and in 1939 the flats above the shops had listed occupants.
Kelly’s directory of 1964
The shop addresses are now Courtlands Drive, rather than Goodwood Parade. (“Shops changed but this is how I remember them at that time, in order from Gammons Lane direction. End shop (florist until recently) was not there then, just a patch of rough ground.”)
111 A M Thorp & Son – greengrocers, also sold firewood I remember
113 Rye’s Bakeries
115 Malcolm – ladies hairdresser, also mens as I recall
117 J. King – fried and fresh fish
119 H. Marshall – butchers
121 Allen Morley – newsagent and post office
123 L. Harrop & Son – hardware – run by the son
125 Chilcott Cafe
127 Osman’s Stores – grocers
129 L. Harrop & Son – ironmongers – heavier materials than the other shop, timber, cement etc. – run by the father
131 Goodwood Tyres
133 Mrs. Lucy Bowsher – drapers
135 Vision Electrics – tvs and radios
137 H How – chemist
139 The Gift Shop – toys and post
141 William MacGrath – furniture
143 Wright’s – shoes and shoe repairs
