Bookings are closed for this event.
19th April 2017, 00:00 - 14:30
We are pleased to have arranged a return visit to the gardens of Chilworth Manor by kind permission of the owners, Mia and Graham Wrigley.
Chilworth Manor, situated midway between Chilworth village and St Martha’s Hill to the north, was recorded in the Domesday Book as a monastery. A victim of the Reformation, the monastery was destroyed by Henry VIII and over the centuries has been rebuilt into the property seen today.
In 1725 Sarah, widow of the Duke of Marlborough, became the owner. She added the rectangular Marlborough wing and developed a tiered walled garden with herbaceous borders, topiary and fruit trees still known as the “Duchess’s Garden”.
The Dukes of Nothumberland were subsequent owners of the Manor and it was later purchased by Sir Lionel and Lady Heald who lived there with their family for over 60 years. Sir Lionel was MP for Chertsey from 1950-1970 and Attorney-General in the Churchill government of 1951-1955. Lady Heald devoted her life to many charitable causes, in particular the National Gardens Scheme of which she was the National Chairman prior to her death in 2004.
The present owners have carried out extensive restoration work with the aim of creating a contemporary and practical garden, sensitive to its historic context.
Original stewponds have been integrated with a new Japanese-themed garden and woodland garden walk.
Following an introduction by the owner, there will be ample time to explore the gardens, followed by tea, the cost of which is included. The proceeds will be donated to the Leatherhead Youth Project, a charity that assists young disadvantaged people who are socially and economically deprived by offering sports, residential camps and career advice among other things.
The cost will be £15 for members and £17 for non-members, including tea.
We regret that this visit is not suitable for children or dogs.
Booking is essential the deadline is 9th April.
For further details and enquiries, contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org or on mobile 07530-949302
Please note that the Surrey Hills Society and its Event partners accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or personal injury during events. Participants are requested to wear appropriate clothing and footwear and take due care and attention
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