The Parish Room

Formerly a public place for villagers to go and read books, now it is a private home.

The Parish Room dates from 1867 and stands directly opposite St. Mary’s School.

It was formerly called ‘The Village Reading Room’ when it was built by the Reverend Henry Sigismund de Cerjat, Rector of St. Mary’s Parish Church, around six years after he had built St. Mary’s School. The Reverend was also connected by marriage to the Weston family, who were then the owners of West Horsley Place.

In the days before public libraries a village reading room was a place where people who had recently learned to read might go and find books. Early in the 20^th century, this building became the parish meeting room, where the Parish Council and other village organisations could hold meetings. It also provided additional space for St. Mary’s School across The Street and in 1935 it became a craft room used by older children.

This building is now a private dwelling, although a sign announcing ‘The Parish Room’ still adorns the frontage. Whilst not a listed building, ‘The Parish Room’ remains a distinctive and interesting feature of the local street scene.

LOCATION: On the western side of The Street on the corner with School Lane.