A plaque was unveiled on Monday to coincide with the war service of one of Epsom’s most famous sons.
James Chuter Ede fought in the Great War as a sergeant in the East Surreys and Royal Engineers.
A local councillor before the war, his political career was really launched when he became Labour MP for Mitcham in 1923.
In 1937 he was the ‘charter’ mayor of Epsom Council when it became a borough.
He rose to become Home Secretary in the first Labour government 1945 to 1951 as well as Deputy-Leader and Leader of the Commons.
He is also credited with drawing up the1944 (Butler) Education Act which provided free secondary education for all pupils and became a model for education systems around the world.
As a reward for his political service he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Chuter Ede in 1964, just before his death aged 83.
The council unveiled a plaque in his memory at 78 Miles Road, where he lived with his wife between the end of World War I and 1927.
At the unveiling Sheila Russell, who has lived at the property since 1956, said: "I was always aware that Chuter Ede lived here; he was a fascinating person. The plaque was a birthday present from my son and daughter-in law."
The plaque was also part-funded by Bourne Hall Museum.
The curator, Jeremy Harte, said: "James Chuter Ede has a strong claim to being Epsom and Ewell’s most successful son.
This modest house is where he and his wife set up home, following his service in WW1.
"From these humble beginnings, this man of determination started his public life, culminating in his position of Home Secretary and later being created life peer."
"He managed to impress his political opponents as well as his friends. We are talking about a very great man."
Mr Chuter Ede was born in Epsom in 1882. His parents ran a baking and grocery business in Epsom High Street and he was educated at Epsom National School in Hook Road and Dorking High School.
He won a scholarship to Cambridge and did teacher training in Battersea before becoming an assistant master at an elementary school in Mortlake, Surrey.
Mr Chuter Ede played an active role in teachers' trade unions.
After the outbreak of war he enlisted in the armed forces, serving in France and in 1917, while still serving in the East Surreys, he married Lilian Williams.
It is thought that his observation of the war caused him to switch from the Liberals to the Labour Party.
Epsom Council administrates the Chuter Ede Trust which purchases books and study materials to help students living away from home.
A ward in Epsom Hospital, a primary school in Nottinghamshire and a community centre in South Shields are all named in his honour.
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