Stoke Hospital Open Gardens

Stoke Hospital, Guildford - also know as The Hospital of William Parson.

Have you ever wondered what’s behind that long and very old-looking red brick wall along Stoke Road, opposite the Stoke Hotel? You can glimpse some gardens through a wrought iron gate and see that there is a red brick building with arched lattice windows and a clock tower. The clock keeps good time and strikes on the hour during daylight hours.

This is Stoke Hospital, an almshouse charity founded by William and Henry Parsons in 1796. The grade 2 listed building originally housed six ‘poor widows of good character’. Over the years it has been expanded and modernised and now provides affordable one bedroom flats for 14 single people, accepting both women and men.

As it provides peoples’ private homes, it is not usually possible for the public to visit. But on the afternoon of Saturday 14 September, as part of the Heritage Weekend, visitors will be able to go through the entrance gate on Queens Road to admire the outside of the building close up and enjoy the award winning gardens. You can also see inside the communal area of the former chapel, now the residents’ lounge, and may be able to meet some current residents.

The gardens will be open from 2pm through until 4:30pm.

Entrance is free of charge, although you will be able to make a donation (cash only) to support the work of the charity and have tea and cake in the garden.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

From 2pm to 4:30pm.

Location & directions

Stoke Hospital, Stoke Road, Brown Eaves, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4JH

Directions:

Stoke Hospital is on Stoke Road, Guildford, near The Kings Head and The Stoke pubs.

Contact on day:

David Clarke

Telephone number:

+447971423816

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

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