About

Cranleigh Heritage Trust CIO, a registered charity, has been set up by a group of dedicated local residents who are passionate about Cranleigh’s community.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has pledged over £780,000 to restore the first cottage hospital in England, the 15th Century cottage standing on Cranleigh High Street. It will return the historic building for use by the local community as a hub for health and wellbeing, alongside heritage education and use by community groups.

The cottage was built in 1446 and, in 1859, revolutionised healthcare in pre-NHS England when it opened as a cottage hospital, due to the efforts of Dr Albert Napper and Archdeacon John Sapte. You can find out more about this important building in our History section.

The first of its kind, patients were asked to pay only what they could afford, or a community fund covered the charge for those too poor to pay. It is considered the early inspiration for the NHS.

Since 2007, the Grade II listed building has been disused and, without this funding from the Heritage Fund, would sink further into disrepair.

Once restored and sensitively modernised, the cottage will re-open as a community venue focused on health, wellbeing, and education. Heritage displays, alongside a digital archive, will capture the rich history of both the cottage and Cranleigh.

The Project Team

Trustees

• Trevor Dale, Chair
• Howard Barratt
• Jane Briggs
• Chris Bulley
• Sue Dale
• Nigel West

Volunteers

• Bob Callard
• Jo James
• Chris Finill

If you are interested in volunteering please get in touch via the contact us form.