Kent & Surrey Group - History of Clandon Park Talk

Event details

Wednesday 1 October 2.30pm 

Join the Kent & Surrey Group at West Horsley Place to learn about the history and current plans at nearby Clandon Park with an illustrated talk by local historian and National Trust volunteer June Davey. June is a member of the National Trust Talk Team.

A chance to learn about one historic building while at a nearby one - June is an expert on both Grade I listed houses. This illustrated talk will cover the history of Clandon Park and its future following the disastrous fire in 2015. The National Trust’s plans for this important building are controversial and we expect an interesting discussion.

In the Spring 2025 edition of the SPAB Magazine, Matthew Slocombe (Chief Executive) wrote 'The scheme has loud critics, but most seek for Clandon what we have stood against since our foundation: Restoration with a capital R. What the National Trust is pursuing instead is much more SPAB-minded. The plan is to conserve as much as possible of the surviving building, reinstating in some areas where damage was light but introducing new design of the 21st century in other parts to open a fresh chapter for the building. The result should be a structure that is truthful to its story and fascinating to visit.'

The talk will be followed by tea and cake. There will be time after tea to explore the grounds at West Horsley Place.

How to get there

West Horsley Place
Epsom Road
West Horsley
KT24 6AN

West Horsley Place is well marked from Epsom Road and there is ample on-site car parking.

If travelling by public transport, Horsley station is a 35-minute walk.

Accessibility

There is flat access to the barn from the car park at West Horsley Place.

Toilets are available.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

Photos and filming: We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: Clandon Marble Hall as proposed - © National Trust Images, Allies and Morrison