by Hamish MacGillivray, Heritage Consultant
“I like the leeches!” One of the many enthusiastic comments last year from pupils at Cranleigh C of E Primary as we tested out sensory display ideas in the run up to writing a report bid for the Lottery Heritage to save the neglected Cottage hospital building. The plan created by the trustees of the Cranleigh Heritage Trust is to convert this 15th century structure into a well-being community hub. It will also have small heritage displays reflecting its unique architectural and medical history. The Victorian Doctor Albert Napper’s radical concept for free treatment for the rural poor in a local cottage had a big impression on the founding of the NHS in 1948, which we celebrate in this anniversary month of July.
As you might be aware, the trustees and consultants were successful in doing their homework and were awarded the bid and allowed the project to start its final stage on the 8 May. The other good news is that NHS Property Services have signed the lease with the trustees for a peppercorn rent. However, at the moment, there is no water or electricity supply inside the Cottage as it was shared with the modern Village Hospital. There will be new supply connections and dedicated meters and a new heating system. Meanwhile, the roof, floors, windows, must be repaired and made safe. By this autumn this building will become a building site. Depending on the usual risks, like the weather and supply chains, the building is planned to open by late summer 2026 with a small sensory and medicinal garden.
There will be a team of selected building companies and suppliers involved. On the heritage side we are developing partnerships with historians, graphic designers, digital and mural artists, local schools, Surrey History Centre, Royal College of Physicians archive, The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, and The Museum of the Home.
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT
Even as the refurbishment is in progress there will need to be a volunteer team behind the scenes. If you want to help research more about Doctor Napper, staff and hidden Victorian patients; or want to help in the new garden; or can assist with future guided tours; or good with a camera to help record building progress and volunteer workshops; or become involved with the new MyCranleigh website.
Get in touch email the team@cranleighheritage trust.org.uk.
To register an expression of interest in future use of the facilities please write to us with the following information:
1. Brief description of what you offer and the benefits to clients and customers.
2. Say if and where you currently offer this service and why people would use the cottage to meet you.
3. Brief declaration of support for the project in general.
4. Return name and address and any website or social media links.
Thank you so much!
Trustees Trevor Dale – Chair; Howard Barratt; Jane Briggs; Chris Bulley; Sue Dale; Nigel West. Advisors Bob Callard – architect; Joanna James – business advisor, Michael Miller and Joy Horn, history advisors.
Visit our website: www.cranleighheritagetrust.org.uk
