Edward Lapidge was an architect and eldest son of Samuel Lapidge, a former assistant to Capability Brown.
Information on Edward Lapidge is given in The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and The "Dictionary of British Architects 1660 - 1840".
He was appointed County Surveyor for Surrey in 1824 and held office until his death in 1860. The Quarter Sessions records at the Surrey History Centre reveal many of his architectural works within the County including bridges and police stations.
Dorothy Stroud in her book on Capability Brown (1950) states that Capability Brown was godfather to Edward Lapidge.
In "Old Kingston" (1914), G. W. Aycliffe noted of Edward that "He was a tall and erect gentleman, usually dressed in black with a tall hat with tassels, wore Hessian boots and was exceedingly active".
Information provided by Don Josey of Surrey Gardens Trust, 14/03/2016.