Pause and consider that less than 200 years ago, in our generally prosperous community, things were radically different. There are still people here facing hardship, not all of them visible to the casual eye, and we are extremely fortunate to have the largest Lions Club in the UK helping the local populace and especially the vulnerable.
But in 1859 things were so desperate that they inspired Dr Napper, along with the support of the Reverend J H Sapte — before the two fell out spectacularly over who would take the credit.
I’ve written previously about the huge stigma of being labelled ‘pauper’, and the workhouse in Guildford beckoned.
Progress on the old cottage
Progress in renovating the old cottage is on time for the official opening in September. Much of the work is visible, with the extended porch and tile hanging on display. Internally the electrical installation is complete and the heating system is progressing. We have our own mains electricity connected, with water soon to follow.
What’s in a name?
So, why have we changed the name? Despite our best efforts there was still confusion with the working NHS Village Hospital, and the decision was taken to rebrand, after considerable thought and professional advice. Dr Albert Napper richly deserves recognition by the wider public. It was he who organised the Village Hospital, in 1859, ‘for the accommodation of the poor when suffering from sickness or from accident’. This quote is taken from Mr Henry C Burdett’s book ‘Cottage Hospitals’, originally published in 1877.
It is worth restating that of the first 100 patients, 67 were Parish paupers, 16 in humble circumstances, and for the remainder their fees were paid by the Poor Law Guardians, for operations and fractures. Patients were able to pay something, according to their means, but a fund existed to pay for those who simply could not.
Without Dr Napper’s inspiration, we would probably not even have this almost 600-year-old cottage at all. It is doubtful it would have survived without its history. Without that unique heritage we almost certainly would not have been granted considerable funds by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others. Without Dr Napper we probably wouldn’t have the Cottage Hospital movement, which became a model acknowledged in the history books across the globe, naming Cranleigh in particular. In fairness, we probably would have had the NHS, but Albert Napper started England on that journey.
We believe that associating a real person with the cottage helps us all form a closer association and an inspiration to capture the imaginations of the younger generations. Schools nearby are very keen to incorporate visits into their history and social curricula. Who knows — we could motivate future careers in the caring professions? Put that all together, and that’s why we changed the name.
Back to today, and we have our first clients agreed to hire the building for hobby and wellness purposes. There is tremendous excitement in the local junior schools about the learning opportunities.
Further support for the project
Several fresh volunteers have joined the Cranleigh Heritage Trust team, helping plan the future uses and develop our plan to benefit as much of the community as possible. We are actively seeking new members to join the team now that we have a live project. If you believe you have skills and time to use them that would be helpful to a heritage project, please get in touch.
To get in touch email [email protected].
To register an expression of interest in future use of the facilities, please write to us with the following information:
- Brief description of what you offer and the benefits to clients and customers.
- Say if and where you currently offer this service, and why people would use the cottage to meet you.
- Brief declaration of support for the project in general.
- Return name and address, and any website or social media links.
Thank you so much!
This article first appeared in the June 2026 issue of Cranleigh Magazine. Pick up your free copy around the village, or read more at cranleighmagazine.co.uk.
