The Banstead Image Library
Ivan of Hengest Farm 
The photo is of my Father (Ivan) taken in 1924.
His father (Ove Gerdes-Hansen) farmed Hengest Farm from 1920 to 1955
I was born at Hengest in 1933.
I’m the eldest Grandchild of Ove. He and his wife Ada had five sons, Jasper, Ivan, Norman, Malcolm and Douglas.
Ove was Danish and came from Aarhus Denmark. He came to England around 1903, and lived at Holland Park London from 1906 when he married Ada Bright. He took part in WWI and afterwards, in 1920 he went to Hengest.
I was 10yrs old when we left Hengest.
Cynthia.
Note from LNW: Cynthia sent me this amazing photo which was severely damaged and has been digitally 'cleaned up' to produce the image above.
Picture added on 08 February 2016 at 14:56
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Banstead History
Banstead History
This is fascinating. I did some of my work experience on Hengest Farm in the summer of 1981. I think the farmer was disappointed to find he had a smallish girl rather than a hefty male to lend a hand...
Added by Jenny Sanders on 12 May 2016
I am researching the family history on the Gerdes-Hanson family for a friend who I believe might be your sisters son. I am sure he would be interested to see any other photo's of your father and grandfather. Also any family info you
may have. Please reply through my e-mail
may have. Please reply through my e-mail
Added by G E Willett on 28 December 2016
Does anyone know the origin of the name 'Hengest'? Was it a Danish reference, or did the name attach before Ivan's family took on the farm?
Note from LNW: Hengest did fight with Danish Warriors at one time and there is plenty of information about him in the internet. The link to the farm could be the Danish connection but it would need more research to confirm that.
Note from LNW: Hengest did fight with Danish Warriors at one time and there is plenty of information about him in the internet. The link to the farm could be the Danish connection but it would need more research to confirm that.
Added by Jan Burbridge on 29 January 2018
We have the preserved Steam Tug Kerne at Liverpool that was built at Montrose on the instructions of Ove Gerdes Hansen and originally named Viking.
THE STEAM TUG KERNE PRESERVATION SOCIETY.
Response from LNW: Thanks, Paul. I had never heard of that connection.
I have taken the summary below from the website and would encourage our contributors to take a look.
Built by Montrose Shipbuilding Co. Ltd and completed in 1913, to fulfil an order placed by Gerdes Hansen and Co, the tug was originally named Viking. Upon completion in March 1913, she sailed under her own power to London, but in April 1913, she was acquired by the Admiralty and renamed Terrier. Based in Chatham, she worked in and around the Medway as a harbour/basin tug for 35 years, which included the two World Wars.
She is now the last remaining operational Naval coal-fired steamship to have seen service in two World Wars.
THE STEAM TUG KERNE PRESERVATION SOCIETY.
Response from LNW: Thanks, Paul. I had never heard of that connection.
I have taken the summary below from the website and would encourage our contributors to take a look.
Built by Montrose Shipbuilding Co. Ltd and completed in 1913, to fulfil an order placed by Gerdes Hansen and Co, the tug was originally named Viking. Upon completion in March 1913, she sailed under her own power to London, but in April 1913, she was acquired by the Admiralty and renamed Terrier. Based in Chatham, she worked in and around the Medway as a harbour/basin tug for 35 years, which included the two World Wars.
She is now the last remaining operational Naval coal-fired steamship to have seen service in two World Wars.
Added by C. Paul Kirkbride on 24 December 2025
Banstead
