Earlier this week I watched a local Arts Society presentation about various "treasures" of the Mole Valley. Two were in Charlwood and yet I don't ever remember a ride detouring to see them. So this morning after the rain I headed off to find them.
The first is the local lockup - dating from 1792. No frills but I imagine the average occupant would have sobered up by the morning.
The other is rather more impressive. In 1797 during the Napoleonic wars a guard room was built for troops stationed at Horsham. In 1816 it was moved to Charlwood to become an Independent Calvinistic Chapel ( no fun there then). It was at some point renamed the Providence Chapel and continued in use for nearly 200 years though the congregation dwindled in the 20th century and the last member became disabled in 2012. Although put up for sale it was saved by a trust which restored it with a lottery grant. In normal times it hosts occasional events and was open on the Heritage Days in September.
Perhaps unsurprisingly it is at the end of Chapel Road!
Happy Christmas to all. Lets hope for a better 2021!
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