Historic buildings in Elmbridge

Historic Buildings

Cobham Mill
Mill Road, Cobham
The beautifully restored Cobham Mill is situated on a picturesque stretch of the River Mole. Cobham Mill is a Grade II listed building, dating from the early 16th century. The mill operated for centuries until 1928 when water milling became unprofitable, and the building became used as a shop and storehouse. It was then damaged by a tank during World War II, and was partly demolished in 1953 to enable the widening of Mill Road. The remaining part of the mill quickly deteriorated, until 1986 when restoration work began, led by the Cobham Mill Preservation Trust. With much hard work, the waterwheel was turning again by June 1991, and in May 1993 the mill was opened to the public.

Hampton Court Palace
Bridge Road, East Molesey
Situated on the border of Elmbridge, with its 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer everyone. Set in 60 acres of world famous gardens, the palace is a living tapestry of history from Henry VIII to George II. From the elegance of the recently restored Privy Garden to the domestic reality of the Tudor kitchens, visitors are taken back through the centuries to experience the Palace as it was when royalty was in residence.

St Andrew's Church
Church Street, Cobham
The ancient parish church of St Andrew retains much of its character, despite Victorian 'renovations'. The oldest part of the building is a Norman tower, now topped by a splayfooted shingled spire. The south doorway has a round arch under triple chevron mouldings, repositioned in 1854 when the oak door and local iron work was fitted. The church contains many interesting monuments, including some 16th century brasses. A massive 19th century mausoleum to Harvey Combe and his family stands in the churchyard.

St George's Church
Off the High Street, Esher
The old parish church of St George is an intriguing building tucked away behind the 'Bear Inn' in Esher High Street. The building dates from the middle of the 16th century, with an elaborate Newcastle pew built on the south side in 1725 and a north aisle added around 1812. With the larger Christ Church built in Esher in 1854, St George's was closed. However, the church houses a splendid collection of monuments and fittings, all of which were put into good order in 1963.

St Mary's Church, Stoke D'Abernon
Stoke Road, Stoke D'Abernon
Originally an apsidal church built in Saxon times, St Mary's was ruthlessly 'restored' in 1866. It did, however, retain much of its ancient building and many of its older monuments. The church houses some of the oldest memorial brass in the country, including a life size depiction of Sir John D'Abernon the Elder, 1277. Other treasures include a 12th century wooden chest and a ceremonial helmet and surcoat.

St Mary's Church , Walton on Thames
Church Street, Walton on Thames
St Mary's stands on the highest point of the town. Of Saxon origin, parts date from the 12th to the 15th century. The square flint tower contains a peal of 6 bells, the oldest of which bears the date 1606. Among the church's many monuments, the most notable is to Field Marshall Viscount Shannon who died in 1740. It is one of the best works of the sculptor François Roubiliac. There is also a palimpsest brass to John Selwyn, once keeper of the Royal Park at Oatlands, and a black marble slab commemorating the death in 1681 of William Lily, one of the most notorious astrologers of his day.