Woodyer Churches visit Thursday 20 August  

A Visit to St Andrew’s, Grafham

and St Peter’s, Hascombe

Thursday 20^th August 2026

11.00am to 3.00pm

St Andrew's Grafham was designed as a total entity during 1861-64 by Henry Woodyer, who lived at nearby Grafham Grange. One of his best churches, the interior was richly decorated; a rare sight for a Victorian country church, only to be the subject of a puritanical whitewashing in the 1950’s. Beneath four layers of white paint lie original wall paintings and stencilling with small, uncovered areas offering a tantalising glimpse of what restoration may reveal. The church was originally the equal of St Peter’s, Hascombe which has its rich and intricate decorations intact.

St Peter’s church in Hascombe was rebuilt during the mid-19th century, and the new church consecrated in June 1864. The original church dated from the 13th century but, by 1862, it was described as being in a poor condition. During the demolition and rebuilding, services were held in the village pub, The White Horse.

Henry Woodyer (1816–1896) was born in Guildford and educated at Eton and Oxford. Woodyer became a leading Gothic Revival architect and follower of Augustus Pugin. Over his lifetime, he designed approximately 300 buildings nationally, including around 60 in Surrey. These include churches, schools, country houses and a hospital. Notable Surrey examples include St Mark’s, Dorking, St Martha’s, Chilworth, St Andrew’s, Grafham and St Peter’s, Hascombe – widely regarded as one of the finest Victorian country churches in England.

We shall start the day with tea/coffee and then visit St Andrew’s, Grafham (GU5 0LJ) where we shall have the benefit of a talk by our fellow member, Robin Stannard, who is so very knowledgeable on Woodyer. It is a 300-yard walk from the parking available to the church. There is a 10-minute drive to The White Horse, Hascombe  (GU8 4JA) for lunch from the pub’s summer lunch menu and drinks will be for you to purchase as you wish. Following lunch we shall visit St Peter’s church (GU8 4JD).

Tickets: ACMS members £35: Non-members £38.

Travel: Independently by car. Directions and parking details will be sent prior to the event.

Please enter any dietary requirements under 'special requirements' on the booking form

Location: Surrey

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