From the river to the railway

A growing need

Chesham’s population grew throughout the 19th century, with many thriving local businesses, making woodenware, bottles, brushes, and boots, supplemented by cottage industries like straw plaiting. By the end of the century the population was 9,772, a 55% increase in 50 years. Many people were living in overcrowded homes in insanitary conditions and the growth in population put extra pressure on housing.

Homes for everyone

From the arrival of the railway in 1889 to the end of WWI, there was a mixture of private and public housing development in Chesham. The town’s first social housing scheme was in Brockhurst Road, built from 1914, followed by the Pond Park Estate from 1927.

There were new private developments across from the town too. Local builders like Jesse Mead helped expand Chesham Newtown, buying up land on Berkhampstead Road, Cameron Road and Eskdale Avenue. Villa style homes, terraced, semi- and detached were built for Chesham’s growing middle class.