National Heritage Day was celebrated in the Medieval area of Cranleigh where there are two cottages dating back to the 1400’s. These cottages are the Little Manor, used by the garage and the old Village Hospital. The Village Hospital held an Open Day for the public to see all that had been done to transform it into a new Community Centre, now known as the Napper Centre. Named after the Hospital Surgeon who with Archdeacon Sapte, turned the old cottage into the first Village Hospital.
For anyone unable to join a tour of the Napper Centre, the old Village School, now Cranleigh Arts Centre, featured a collage display of ‘before and after’ photographs by Elizabeth Bulley. The photographs demonstrated the structural changes required to make the old cottage suitably safe as the Cranleigh Community Centre.
The major village heritage events were at the parish church, being the oldest building in Cranleigh having started in 1170 AD. This date has become the adopted name of an independent charity concerned with maintaining the church building. 1170 created a day to show Cranleigh Heritage in many forms.
Tours of the grave yard were of particular interest with Michael Miller and Denis Lester revealing the stories of people from the past. There were challenges for children whilst those fit enough, were up in the Bell Tower being shown the workings of eight large bells and helped to toll the Tenor Bell by Graham, the Tower Captain.
Background music was played as people studied the many archives displayed or enjoyed a break over tea and cakes. The Church Director of Music, Michael Clarke, gave occasional tours to inspect the inner workings of the ancient pipe organ.
People were fascinated with different aspects of the various old transcripts kindly lent by the Surrey Records Office. The large Time Line illustrated the many church changes and historic events during the reign of 44 Monarchs up to King Charles III today.
The grand finale for the Village Heritage Day was in the church. A full audience were entertained by a rousing performance of the London Community Gospel Choir. Having had multiple appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, National events and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Cranleigh was privileged to have such a finale, kindly arranged by Cranleigh Arts Centre and the 1170 Team.
This article first appeared in the October 2026 issue of Cranleigh Magazine. Pick up your free copy around the village, or read more at cranleighmagazine.co.uk.
