Local History
Local History of Cranleigh
Rooted in Village Life
Welcome Reader,
I am based in the heart of Cranleigh, This is where the Tea Rose writings and exploring was born, from a love of slow mornings, countryside walks, and the quiet charm of English village life.
Cranleigh, once known as the largest village in England, has always been a place of makers, markets, and meaningful conversation. From historic shopfronts along the High Street to the peaceful green spaces there’s a rhythm here that feels steady and grounding here.
I am drawn to the heritage.
Enjoying traditional English tea rooms, handwritten notes, and the simple elegance of a rose in bloom, this about connection to a place, to nature, and to the comfort of small rituals. Also, my dog helps me find hidden treasures!
Together, we tell a story of village living with heart. I believe in:
Slower living -Fresh air and muddy paws! Tea poured properly… Woodland beauty that inspires me.
The Tea Rose is not just my name.
It’s your past… and your present.
It is a feeling of belonging, finding gentle history that changed the way we are today. I hope this colomun helps locals and interested folk to enjoy the passage of time.
A Quiet Observer xx
When Harry Met Grace
Chilworth Gunpowder Mills When Grace Met Harry We were supposed to be visiting St Peter’s Church in Albury. That was the plan. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a brown sign. Chilworth Gunpowder Mills. We had been trying to find this place for weeks. Every...
St Martha’s Church & Milkshake
52 Walks with Grace St Martha’s Hill, Surrey Some places ask for your attention. Others simply wait. St Martha’s Church stands quietly on top of St Martha’s Hill, watching over the Surrey Hills as it has done for centuries. It...
Titanic & Kings
The Phillips Memorial, Godalming: A Quiet Corner with a Titanic Story Some places whisper their history rather than shout it. The Phillips Memorial in Godalming is one of them. Tucked beside the ancient Church of St Peter and St Paul and overlooking the gentle River...
Titanic & More
The Phillips Memorial, Godalming: A Quiet Corner with a Titanic Story Some places whisper their history rather than shout it. The Phillips Memorial in Godalming is one of them. Tucked beside the ancient Church of St Peter and St...
A wander into Somewhere!
52 Walks with Grace – SOMEWHERE! Blackheath Sometimes the best places are the ones you never meant to find. Today started with a change of plan. It was already close to 30 degrees and Grace had absolutely no intention of getting up early, so our bigger walk...
A SHERE JOY
I Didn’t Realise I Had Walked Into a Story There are days when you set out with no expectations, and somehow you come home with a memory you’ll keep forever. Today was one of those days. I found myself wandering through the tiny Surrey village of Shere, not really...





