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.
This gem of a Gothic Revival country 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.
The Parish of Grafham has had many interesting residents and we will share these fascinating glimpses of past times.
Volunteers will welcome & guide you through tantalising details and relate stories with themes of family, community & endeavour in this small Surrey village.
Delicious refreshments will be available to enjoy, along with the view to the Surrey Hills from our tranquil & ecologically significant country churchyard.
St Andrew’s Church, Horsham Road, Grafham, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0LH
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.
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.
