St Mary & St Nicholas, Leatherhead Parish Church

The earliest surviving part of the Church, at the far end of the Chancel, dates from just before the Norman Conquest in the reign of Edward the Confessor who owned the two significant “manors” to the North and South of Leatherhead: Thorncroft and Pachenesham (modern day Pacheson).

Built largely of “pudding stone” a conglomerate of flint and mortar, the Church was successively enlarged during the 14th & 15th Centuries. A Piscina and Sedilla were added and two transepts constructed either side of the Chancel. At about the same time the Chancel itself was extended and an additional “squint” cut in the east wall to restore the view of the Elevation of the Host to whoever rang the bell for the Sanctus. The building of the Church was completed with the addition of the current Tower in 1480. The area around the base of the Tower was obviously used as a schoolroom judging by the number of names and dates carved into the stone. Of further interest was the enlargement in 1775 of the West Door to accommodate the storing of the town Fire Engine.

Following a Fire in the Church in 1989 it was discovered that substantial parts of an 18th Century Parker Organ stored in a loft above the North Transept had survived. An Appeal for funds was launched with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund to enable a complete restoration of the Organ and the inaugural concert took place on 24th November 2007.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

10.00 - 15.00

Location & directions

Church Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8BD

Directions:

Parking available at The Lighthouse and Worple Road overflow, plus MVDC pay & display at the back of The Lighthouse.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

All parts of the Church are open and available to wheelchair users. Guides will be available to show the best routes for entering and leaving the building and using the ramps to visit Chancel and Lady Chapel (but not the Tower).

Additional information

Visitors will be welcomed by members of the Congregation and of the Friends of Leatherhead Parish Church, a non-denominational charity dedicated to raising money for the preservation of the building and its surrounding graveyard, for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations. Visitors will have access to the Church Wi-Fi and using their mobile phones will be able to follow to a web-based self-guided tour of all the architectural features and artefacts. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be freely available throughout the day.

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