St Andrews Church, Grafham, Bramley - An important example of Gothic Revival Architecture
St Andrew’s Church, Horsham Road, Grafham, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0LH
Historically in the UK, a village tended to be classified as such when a Church was built. St Andrew’s Church was lovingly designed, funded & built in 1861, by the eminent Victorian architect Henry Woodyer, who lived in Grafham. Born in Guildford in 1816, Henry Woodyer became known as the ‘Gentleman Architect’ & is attributed to being the first Old Etonian to become a professional architect. According to Pevsner he was the most prolific church builder in Surrey but is relatively unrecognised.
The Church was built in memory of his young wife, who died in childbirth. Next to it he built not only the vicarage but also a village school with his own money. Thus Graham became a Village. Its many significant features include wall paintings; magnificent alabaster reredos representing the Tree of Life with angels and a unique set of 19th century banners. Find out more about the important connection between the Architect & his friend a respected British Artist that resulted in the creation of two Churches both dedicated to the wives they lost.
Volunteers will welcome & guide you to the ornate & tantalising details & relate the story of love of family & community that resulted in this prize of Victorian Heritage. There will be a display of the currently partially hidden features of this charming gem. Delicious refreshments also available to enjoy, along with the view to the Surrey Hills from our tranquil & ecologically significant country churchyard.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
St Andrew’s Church, Horsham Road, Grafham, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0LH
- Directions:
- Parking is available at the Grafham Rooms. These are located approximately 300m north of the Church. For those with mobility issues there is limited parking at Woodyer House next door to the Church.
- Contact on day:
- Barbara Salvage
- Telephone number:
- +447917365551
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The pavement at the lychgate entry is a little steep and uneven. The toilet is in the Church gardens and the terrain is a little uneven. For those with mobility issues there is limited parking at Woodyer House just south & next door to the Church.
Additional information
Parking is at Grafham Rooms. Approximately 300m north of the Church. For those with mobility issues there is limited parking at Woodyer House just south & next to the Church. Our toilet is a compostable toilet in the Church gardens. The ground is a little uneven.
