John Strudwicke(1726-1781) IdehurstTree.htm the son of Rev.Henry Strudwicke(1691-1763) vicar of Alfold, married twice. His second wife Mary Lambert(1726-1761) who, incidentally, brought John a dowry of £2,300,   family owned the manor "Lambert Oaks" at Woodmansterne, who later sold the property to Earl Derby.

Whilst at a house party at The Oaks, it was decided to hold a new type of horse race for three year old fillies and colts, without all the exhausting preliminary heats that had been the custom.

The race was eventually held upon the downs at Epsom, in 1779 and was an immediate success and named after the house were the idea had been conceived.

The following year another race was held, the "Derby". This was over a shorter distance and higher stakes, which made it more exciting.

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