Eversley

One of the first brick houses constructed in West Horsley, built in 1671. 

Eversley is an early brick house dating from 1671. Originally it was called ‘Bennett’s Cottage’ and became ‘Eversley’ in 1920.

The rear part of the building consists of the remains of an earlier timber framed thatched building dating to around 1328. This building faced north as did many houses built just after Black Death, as it was thought the Plague came from the south.

In 1715 a lime-burner named Henry Bennett bought this house, as well as the chalk pit in Shere Road.  The ownership passed through several copy holders over the next century, often to daughters since it was the custom for them to be given a cottage as a dowry. Around this time, a tiny building was added on the right side of Bennett’s Cottage for the local schoolmistress.

In 1833, the property became owned by Elizabeth Bradley who married Thomas, a shoemaker and Chelsea Pensioner. As times were hard, the Bradleys had to sub-divide the cottage and take in a lodger.

The two properties had many more adventures before they were bought by a Miss Arthur In 1920, who re-named them ‘Eversley,’ and ‘Apsley.’ In 1956, William John Adams purchased both properties from Miss Arthur and converted them back into one building, keeping the name of ‘Eversley’ by which it is known today.

LOCATION: The eastern side of The Street opposite the West Horsley village hall.