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Situated halfway between Guildford and Horsham with the Surrey Hills to the north, Cranleigh is regarded by many as England’s largest village, and by others as a small attractive Wealden market town, with a village atmosphere. The visitor approaching from the direction of Guildford is first struck by the wide open Common, the pleasant tree-lined cricket green and the row of maples which continually change with the passing seasons.

The road to the left winds its way to Cranleigh School, a centre for learning which has enjoyed its association with the village since 1865. The fountain on the edge of the green was given to the village in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee by the scholars of the school. At the end of the common stands the war memorial, symbolically looking back to the tranquil common, a reminder of the village’s agricultural past, and at the same time facing the bustling village centre with its modern shops and the inevitable motor cars.

Cranleigh is proud of its heritage but it also embraces the new. This is particularly evident where the Victorian frontage of Bank Buildings sits in harmony with the newly developed Stocklund Square, built to replace the old railway station buildings, which contributed so much to the growth and prosperity of the village for over a hundred years. The only reminder of their former existence are the old platform levels at the rear of the shops. The former track is now much used by walkers and forms part of the Downs Link.

Most of the buildings of any antiquity are to be found on the north side of the High Street and the gables of Ivy Hall Farmhouse can still be seen behind the shop fronts added at the turn of the century.

The Onslow Arms is one of four inns in the village, the others being the Cranley Hotel, the Three Horseshoes, and the White Hart. Visitors and residents alike are able to take advantage of the range of cafes and restaurants catering for all tastes, available in the village. David Manns has provided ironmongery, tools, furniture and electrical goods to the village for over a century. It remains in private hands and Cranleigh prides itself in offering a balance of shops, from small individual concerns to national chains and major supermarkets. Cromwell Cottage and Oliver House are named to commemorate the Protector in 1657 who visited the Onslow family of Knowle and billeted his troops in the village.

The Church dedicated to St Nicolas has stood on its present site since 1170 during which time it has been a centre for both spiritual and secular gatherings in the village. It is no accident that some of our finest buildings such as Little Manor, Belwethers and The Causey were built in close proximity to the church. The present Rectory is in fact the fourth building to serve this purpose, the Victorian building designed by architect Henry Woodyer is now put to good use as a residence for senior citizens.

The lower end of the High Street is dominated by another of the village’s unique monuments namely the Obelisk. Constructed early in the 19th century to mark the opening of the turnpike road it was financed by Dr John Ellery the local surgeon who lived at nearby Broadoak. The mileage indicator reminds us that Cranleigh lies equidistant between Windsor and Brighton and legend has it that the Prince Regent, later George IV, passed this way on his travels between the two royal palaces.

The local petrol filling station is home to one of the village’s oldest buildings. Little Manor is thought to date from c.1450 and was obscured from view for most of the 20th century until the buildings fronting the road were demolished to provide space for the present facilities. After much discussion between conservationists and the present owners, a compromise was reached whereby the timber framed building was used as the shop and offices for the garage. It now remains as an outstanding example of the importance the village attaches to preserving its heritage.

The Cranleigh Village Hospital was founded in 1859 and, whilst its claim to be the first is challenged elsewhere, it is certainly the longest surviving institution of its kind. The hospital grew to accommodate 14 beds, a busy day hospital, therapy departments and a wide range of Consultant led out patient services. Currently the 14 beds and the day hospital are closed as an urgent and temporary measure due to financial pressures on the local NHS.

The League of Friends actively supports the hospital. Planning permission has been granted and funds collected to build a new hospital on donated land in the village. The project is led by Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust in partnership with the Parish Council and the League of Friends. A decision on the way forward will shortly be made by the new, Surrey Primary Care Trust as part of the Surrey wide consultation on NHS services. Meanwhile the hospital continues to provide a range of valued services to the community.

The Leisure Centre in Village Way has sports facilities, a fitness suite and swimming pools for both adults and children. At the rear of the Leisure Centre is a Skateboard Park which is very popular throughout the year.

The Parish Council run tennis courts have recently been resurfaced and are used by members of the public and the newly formed Cranleigh Tennis Club. These can be booked through the Leisure Centre.

Snoxhall Fields provides recreational facilities for the whole of Cranleigh to enjoy and includes a Childrens playground, allotments and a conservation area. The fields are host to cricket in the summer and both senior and junior football in the winter.

The Village Hall provides a superb facility for a wide range of events throughout the year such as exhibitions, fashion shows, dances, sales and other functions.

Cranleigh can be proud of its health care, leisure, arts and sports facilities and most of all, its community spirit which lives up to its reputation that “Cranleigh Cares”: a fitting motto for the village

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photograph acknowledgments: Pictures supplied by R Ainsworth, M. Miller, S. Whitehead and E. Whitehead.