Did you know that...
The area that bears the name Gerrards Cross formed in 1859. Parts from the parishes of Upton cum Chalvey, Fulmer, and Stoke Poges formed this new SL9 area. The name of this place is pretty much new, in comparison to the majority of other English towns. The 17th-century Gerrard family owned a manor house here. Before the Gerrards, the area was known as Jarrett’s Cross. Legend has it that Jarrett was a famous local highwayman. The old name reflects in areas such as Jarrett’s Hill. In 2014, Gerrards Cross was named the most expensive commuter town with an average sale price of £1 million.
St James parish church in Gerrards Cross was established in 1861. Architect Sir William Tite designed the building that features an Italianate-style bell tower, a Byzantine dome, and Chinese-style turrets. Notable events include the 1969 wedding of singer Lulu with Bee Gees member Maurice Gibb. Actress Margaret Rutherford and husband Stringer Davis rest in the church’s graveyard. Everyman Gerrards Cross cinema opened in 1925 as The Playhouse. It is the oldest cinema in Buckinghamshire. J. Stanley Beard designed the cinema building. He was a famous cinema architect and Gerrards Cross resident. Being in proximity to the Pinewood Studios, the cinema was frequently used as a filming location. It featured in the British comedies Carry on Camping and Prudence and the Pill.
Gerrards Cross Memorial Building is a World War I memorial and a community hall. Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the building. He is known for designing many other war memorials such as the Cenotaph. This is the only Lutyens design that also has a functional purpose. It serves as the headquarters of the local Royal British Legion. Gerrards Cross educational facilities include Maltman’s Green School, Thorpe House, and St Mary’s Gayhurst. The local railway station opened in 1906. This area served as a filming location for Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita.