The Story behind The Elms
The Elms is a Grade II listed property. situated in the Upper High Street behind the War Memorial. The original house was built in 1830 as a private residence for Thomas Stone, a prominent draper and was named May’s Elms.
According to Brown & Guest’s ‘History of Thame’, the first prepared cricket pitch in Thame was made in 1868 by Captain George Harewood at The Elms
The house served as a home for several local agricultural landowner families throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The original estate, which included extensive grounds, was subdivided over time, with the main house and surrounding land separated from other parts of the property, such as the neighboring barn.
Later owners were the Toovey Family, and Leonard Purser, who purchased The Elms in 1928 when it was part of the Toovey Estates.
Leonard Purser owned various businesses in Thame, including the outfitters, Purser Ltd. His son Hedley was very involved in the community, as a Town Councillor and Magistrate as well as working with Schools and Sports clubs in the area.
The Elms was famous for the many public events held in its grounds, including fetes, and open-air performances by Thame Players. In addition, certain scenes from Midsomer Murders were filmed there.
In 1951 Leonard donated part of his grounds to create a park and recreation ground for the Town.
The Elms remained in the ownership of descendants of the Purser family until 2010.
18th April -31st May
Entrance is free
