Elmbridge Borough Council
Civic Centre,
High Street,
Esher,
Surrey,
KT10 9SD
Tel: 01372 474474 |General Enquiry
|Home > |Tourism > Historic Buildings in Elmbridge
Historic Buildings in Elmbridge
Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower Old Lane, Ockham (contact Paul Taylor on 01372 458822). Usually open from March to October on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, plus Wednesdays during Surrey school holidays, but please phone the contact number for details. Private visits by schools and clubs can be made by arrangement.
An interesting relic of naval communications history, set in 700 acres of picturesque wood and heathland, offering stunning views from London to the North Downs. In 1822, messages were sent between London and Portsmouth in just 15 minutes, and Chatley Heath is the last surviving tower in the chain. A 20 minute walk along marked trails through wood and heathland brings you to the tower where you can see demonstrations of the working semaphore mast and have a go yourself on replica models.
Cobham Mill Mill Road, Cobham (tel: 01932 867387). Opens every second Sunday of the month (April to October), 2.00pm - 5.00pm.It is open for demonstrations of the milling of corn Admission free. Group or school bookings are available throughout the year. The beautifully restored Cobham Mill is situated on a picturesque stretch of the River Mole. Cobham Mill is a Grade II listed building, dating from the early 16th century. The mill operated for centuries until 1928 when water milling became unprofitable, and the building became used as a shop and storehouse. The mill was then damaged by a tank during World War II, and was partly demolished in 1953 to enable the widening of Mill Road. The remaining part of the mill quickly deteriorated, until 1986 when restoration work began, led by the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust. With much hard work, the waterwheel was turning again by June 1991, and in May 1993 the mill was opened to the public.
For further information about the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust please contact: Membership Secretary, 14 Church Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3EG.
|Hampton Court Palace Bridge Road, East Molesey (tel: 020 8781 9500) Situated on the border of Elmbridge, with its 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer everyone. Set in 60 acres of world famous gardens, the palace is a living tapestry of history from Henry VIII to George II. From the elegance of the recently restored Privy Garden to the domestic reality of the Tudor kitchens, visitors are taken back through the centuries to experience the Palace as it was when royalty was in residence.
|St Andrews Church Church Street, Cobham. (tel: 01932 867883) The ancient parish church of St Andrew retains much of its character, despite victorian 'renovations'. The oldest part of the building is a Norman tower, now topped by a splayfooted shingled spire. The south doorway has a round arch under triple chevron mouldings, repositioned in 1854 when the oak door and local iron work was fitted. The church contains many interesting monuments, including some 16th century brasses. A massive 19th century mausoleum to Harvey Coombe and his family stands in the churchyard.
St George's Church off the High Street, Esher The old parish church of St George is an intriguing building tucked away behind the 'Bear Inn' in Esher High Street. The building dates from the middle of the 16th century, with an elaborate Newcastle pew built on the south side in 1725 and a north aisle added around 1812. With the larger Christ Church built in Esher in 1854, St George's was closed. However, the church houses a splendid collection of monuments and fittings, all of which were put into good order in 1963.
|St Marys Church, Stoke D'Abernon Stoke Road, Stoke D'Abernon (opposite the garden centre) Originally an apsidal church built in saxon times, St Mary's was ruthlessly 'restored' in 1866. It did, however, retain much of its ancient building and many of its older monuments. The church houses some of the oldest memorial brass in the country, including a life size depiction of Sir John D'Abernon the Elder, 1277. Other treasures include a 12th century wooden chest and a ceremonial helmet and surcoat. The church is open to visitors during the summer months from 2.00pm - 6.00pm at weekends. For further details call 01932 862502 or 01932 865983.
St Mary's Church , Walton on Thames Church Street, Walton on Thames St Mary's stands on the highest point of the town. Of saxon origin, parts date from the 12th to the 15th century. The square flint tower contains a peal of 6 bells, the oldest of which bears the date 1606. Among the church's many monuments, the most notable is to Field Marshall Viscount Shannon who died in 1740. It is one of the best works of the sculptor François Roubiliac. There is also a palimpsest brass to John Selwyn, once keeper of the Royal Park at Oatlands, and a black marble slab commemorating the death in 1681 of William Lily, one of the most notorious astrologers of his day.
