St George's Church, Esher, Surrey

Address:
Esher Park Avenue, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9PX
How to find us
Opening times:
**October 14th - December 23rd The Church will be open only for Cards for Good Causes - after this period the key will again be available at Savills*** The church is open to visitors on Saturdays from April to September between 11am and 3pm. At other times, please borrow the key from Savills Estate Agent (55 High Street) esher@savills.com For further enquiries about this church or to arrange a guided tour, contact Dean Wigzell at dwigzell@thecct.org.uk or 07553 473288.
  • The church is built of soft limestone with brick quoins and a stone and plain tiled roof. 
  • St George’s is a rare example of a village church of the Tudor, Stuart and Hanoverian periods.
  • The Newcastle Pew, designed by Vanbrugh in 1725 for Thomas, Duke of Newcastle, Prime Minister and owner of Claremont.

  • The Newcastle Pew - which is compared to an opera-box  - was once used by a young Princess, who later became Queen Victoria.

  • The 1540 Tudor building forms the nave and chancel of the current church.
  • The roof is supported on Tudor tie and collar beams and the 18th-century triple-decker pulpit has tiers for the parish clerk, rector and preacher.
  • A monument commissioned by Queen Victoria to remember Princess Charlotte, heiress presumptive to the throne until her death in 1817.
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

An untouched Tudor gem

This charming Tudor church was built from a jumble of sandstone and brick. It dates from around 1540, with some additions between 1724 and 1842. The interior has wonderful eighteenth-century furnishings, including a three-decker pulpit and a pew designed by the Blenheim Palace architect, John Vanbrugh.

To donate by text, please text 'ESH' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

  • Facilities & Hire
    Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. 
  • Directions
    Behind Bear Inn, near the southern end of the High Street, off A244
  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Claygate (0.8 miles)

  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church

    Download the 'walk round guide' for St George's Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey County Guide 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Community information

    The Friends of St George's Church Esher

    In 1963, a group of untiring and enthusiastic parishioners raised private funds and covenants for the restoration of the unused parish church. In 1986, when the building was vested in the Redundant Churches Fund (now The Churches Conservation Trust ) the Friends of St George’s was set up as a charity.

    Its aims, with the support of The Churches Conservation Trust, include the preservation of the building and the historical and architectural heritage that exists in it. Today, the Friends main activities are raising funds to heat the building and investing in furnishing and appointing the interior as an arts venue for the community.

    They also volunteer as church guides. With such an important royal residence as Claremont nearby the building has a fascinating history.

     

    Useful local links:

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