Places newly available on Saturday 18th July 2026 – 2pm start, finish about 4:30pm
(First talk and tour was on Saturday 16th May 2026 and second on 4th July 2026)
A history and tour of Tollsworth Manor in Chaldon. The building is a rare surviving example of an early Medieval open-hall house, with sections built in 1326-1358 and 1433. Its development includes the insertion of a chimney and a first floor into the earlier open hall and much else, as you will see.
Its known history goes back to about 1200 when it was a grange of Merton Abbey and this lasted up to dissolution of the monasteries in 1538. It was owned by Henry VIII, lived in by some notable families, and then, in the mid 20th century was a Youth Hostel.
The afternoon (2pm start) includes a talk, a tour of the house and its special English garden as well as tea and cake.
The visit in May was a very popular event – so we organised two other dates. UPDATE: 18th July still has 3 places available on it. Email madeline.hutchins@icloud.com to book places. Admission is by donation – minimum £11 per person, payable in cash on the day. All income goes to St Catherine’s Hospice.