From 11-14 September some amazing buildings will be open to the public in Kingston upon Thames under the Heritage Open Days scheme. See listings below. Full details and updates are on the www.heritageopendays.org.uk website and www.kingstonfirst.co.uk
All Saints’ Church, Kingston upon Thames
All Saints Church, Market Place , Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1JP: Kingston’s only Grade I listed building – a church has been on this site since Anglo-Saxon times; several Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned on this site. The current church mostly dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kingstonuponthamessociety.co.uk
Ballet Boyz Dance Studio
52A Canbury Park Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6JX: Opportunity to see a modern dance studio, home to internationally renowned Ballet Boyz in a newly refurbished early 20th century industrial building. In addition there will be an exhibition of Kingston Aviation Industry in Canbury Park Road.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.balletboyz.com
Canbury Photographic Studio
120 Canbury Park Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6JZ:An opportunity to visit a 2013 Townscape Award winner. A commercial photography studio built from the remains of a derelict Victorian dairy. There will be display of the history of the conversion.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
canburystudio.co.uk/
Church of St Mary the Virgin
Church Lane, Chessington, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT9 2LB: Discover Chessington’s ‘hidden’ treasure, a rural hilltop chapel until the 20th century urban development. Grade II St Mary’s was first mentioned in Merton Priory records of 1174. Early Nottingham alabaster of the Annunciation and unusual wooden pillars were inserted when the south aisle was added in 1870. Event not suitable for children under the age of 10.For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.stmaryschessington.org
Cleave’s Almshouses
Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6NQ: Almshouses established in 1669 and extended in Victorian times. Recently modernised. Set in attractive gardens – entry to hall and gardens via Old London Rd. For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Coombe Conduit
Lord Chancellor Walk, Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7HE: Guided tours of a Tudor conduit house, part of a system built to supply water to Hampton Court Palace.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
County Hall – Heritage Day
Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2DNThe home of Surrey County Council for 115 years, the original building was designed by County Surveyor, C H Howell, in 1893. There have been a number of additions between 1930 and 1982.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Frederick W Paine
24 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6QG:The town’s oldest firm of undertakers has conducted funerals from these premises for over a century. Original interior dates from 1908.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Hillcroft College
South Bank, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT6 6DF: Hillcroft is housed in a Victorian mansion house built in the 1860s for Frederick Bryant of Bryant and May Matches. The building is very typical of its time and retains many of its original features.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.hillcroft.ac.uk
Holy Cross Preparatory School
George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7NU, Home of John Galsworthy, built 1870. ‘Ivy conduit’ in grounds – one of the spring houses used to serve Hampton Court. Extensive grounds with play area and adventure trail.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
John Lewis Kingston Riverside
Riverside Walk, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1TE: Discover the chalk & flint vaulted cellar built c.1350 and remains of a medieval bridge c.1170 in the basement of John Lewis. Event not suitable for children under the age of 5.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.johnlewis.com
Kingston Aviation Exhibition
52A Canbury Park Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6JXExhibition of old photographs and information about Kingston’s 100 year aviation heritage. This will include photographs, information, aircraft models and a slide show displayed in one of the buildings that was part of the aircraft factory complex.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kingstonaviation.org
Kingston Crematorium
Bonner Hill Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 3EZ Behind the scenes tours of the crematorium. Your questions answered. Children welcome accompanied by an adult.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Kingston History Tour Guided Walks
All Saints’ Church Gates, Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 Two guided walks around Kingston’s historic town centre and riverside. The tours will outline Kingston’s history from Saxon times until the present day. Features will include: the Coronation Stone, the Guildhall, Clattern bridge, All Saints’ parish church, the Ancient Market Place, the medieval bridge remains and undercroft in John Lewis.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kingstontourguides.org.uk
Kingston Inter Faith Forum Walk
Norbiton Railway Station main car park, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7AZ:An escorted walk with specialists at each venue. An opportunity to visit five unique local places of worship and learn about the different faiths from experts. A chance to meet and talk to people of different faiths and exchange ideas.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Kingston Quaker Centre
Fairfield East, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2PT: Opened in June 2014 and described as a “pavilion on the edge of the park”, the Centre has a calm and spacious feel. It makes extensive use of natural light and is designed for efficient use of energy and water.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kingstonquakers.org
Kingston Working Men’s Club
25 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6ND:Typical old style working men’s club. The membership is a microcosm of Kingston industry past & present. President John Parke, club historian, will be present to answer questions – he has known the club for over 70 years.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
London International Study Centre
299 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT6 7AE: A Building of Townscape Merit, the school was built in 1879, 4 years after the Parish was founded.The land was given by the 7th Earl of Egmont, a local landowner & the school was designed by Charles L. Luck & built by Jarvis of Hook. A 2-day bazaar & sponsored sermons contributed to raising money to build the school.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
londonisc.com
Lovekyn Chapel
London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6PY: Medieval chantry chapel founded in 1309, which became home to a school (then called Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School) in 1561. It remains the property of Kingston Grammar School. The oldest complete building in Kingston and thought to be the only surviving free-standing chantry chapel in the country.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kgs.org.uk
New Malden Library Tour
48 Kingston Road, New Malden, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT3 3LY A walk and talk with the library manager around this lovely 1930s building, with an intriguing mix of art deco and wartime styling. One of the very few public libraries to be constructed during WWII.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Old Malden Heritage Walk
St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Worcester Park, Old Malden, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT4 7LZ: 1.5km exploration of the domesday village of Malden and its ancient meadows (rough walking), putting it into historical context. Hear about its connection with the founding of Merton College Oxford; there is now a plaque showing the location where artist Sir John Millais painted the background to his picture of Ophelia. The meeting point is St John the Baptist Church.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk www.kingstonarchaeology.org
Pizza Express Building
41 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1LQ: Pizza Express is housed in a fine timber framed building dating to the early 16th century. It was probably a farm house originally on the edge of old Kingston. Upstairs the structure has been beautifully restored and exposes the great oak beams.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Private House & Art Collection
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey: This outstanding luxury modern house of the 1960s was designed by architect Kenneth Wood for a local businessman and private art collector. The house contains an important collection of 20th century furniture, painting and sculpture, some of which is housed in a private art gallery that was added to the house in the 1970s. Visitors will enjoy a tour of the house, garden and gallery. The event is not suitable for children.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Seething Wells Waterworks and the Defeat of King Cholera Tour
Simpson Way/Portsmouth Road Junction, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT6 4ER: This is a unique site in the history of public health and the start of epidemiology. The Lambeth Waterworks was established in Seething Wells in 1852 and it was water from these works that Dr John Snow used to prove that cholera was waterborne. You can see the surviving Lambeth and Chelsea Waterworks buildings as well as the filter beds alongside the Thames now home to a rich bio-diverse wildlife. Event not suitable for children under the age of 10.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.friendsofseethingwells.org
St Andrew’s Church, Surbiton
Maple Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT6 4AB: Grade II listed, built in 1872 and designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield. The colourful brickwork of the recently restored church is complemented by the stained glass windows depicting men and women from the Bible and the decorative Noah’s Ark scene on the ceiling of the baptistry. An award winning extension provides further facilities and has a green roof.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.surbitonchurch.org.uk
St John the Baptist Parish Church, Old Malden
Church Road, Worcester Park, Old Malden, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT4 7QX: A Grade II listed Jacobean church (1611) built on Saxon ruins with Victorian extension (1875) and new contemporary extension (2004), in a Conservation Area with ancient fields and the Hogsmill River nearby. Connections with Merton College Oxford and the artist Millais. A history exhibition will be on display. Church and churchyard trails will be available.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.stjohnthebaptistmalden.org.uk
St Mark’s Church
St Mark’s Hill, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT6 4LS A church with a traditional exterior but a surprisingly modern interior. First built in 1844 to serve the new railway town of Surbiton, it was destroyed by an oil bomb in 1940. Rebuilt in 1960, it has stained glass windows, an unusual font depicting Jesus baptising a multitude of people in the River Jordan and notable altar frontals from that period. Recently restored and extended with new facilities. There is also a green roof. For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
St Paul’s Church, Kingston Hill
Alexandra Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7SF Victorian church, built in the 1870s, reordered and modernised in the 1990s and now used throughout the week by schools and community groups. Visitors frequently comment on the glorious brickwork and its warm, attractive interior. Quiz sheet for children to explore the building
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.stpaulskingston.org.uk
St Raphael’s Roman Catholic Parish Church
Portsmouth Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2NA Designed by eminent architect Charles Parker with foundation in 1846 and completed in 1847, this Grade II* listed building is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in the country. As Leopold of Saxe-Coburg lived nearby in Claremont, there were four royal weddings celebrated in St Raphael’s as the nearest Catholic church at the time. A guide will give you a tour and answer questions. No unaccompanied children
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.straphael.org.uk
SuperHome Open Day – London, Kingston
44 Woodbines Avenue, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2AY Martin and Veronica live in this 1910 Edwardian property, they are very concerned about climate change and about energy scarcity. As well as domestic energy, they try to change their travel and eating habits. They have reduced car use by about 80%. Martin and Veronica have also made a 65% carbon saving to their property by carrying out the following measures external cladding, photovoltaic system on the roof, draft proofing throughout and installed a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery in the bathroom.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.superhomes.org.uk/129
SuperHome Open Day – London, Willingham Way
16 Willingham Way, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 3JA Damon Hart-Davis lives in this Late ’60s ex-council wood-framed end-terrace house and he has achieved a 62% carbon reduction. Damon has reported a remarkable 100% saving on bills (zero carbon and overall bills with FiT payments)! Measures you will see at this SuperHome include; triple glazing, solar PV panels, loft, ceiling and internal wall insulation.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.superhomes.org.uk/129
Surbiton History Tour Guide walk
Surbiton , Kingston upon Thames, Surrey: One guided walk around Surbiton where the railway arrived in 1838 with subsequent development of large Victorian houses serviced by cooks and maids. Surbiton was the original ‘Queen of the Suburbs’ and acquired a lovely Edwardian Coronation Clock Tower and interesting Art Deco railway station.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kingstontourguides.org.uk
The Ancient Market Place Exhibition
Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1JP: Come and see how the Ancient Market Place has changed throughout the history thanks to a unique collection of historic images displayed around the Market Place and in selected stores. Kingston’s first market was recorded in 1242 and it has been a major trading centre since 1170 when the ‘new town’ was laid out south of an existing settlement around All Saint’s Church. Many of the Royal Charters relate to markets and fairs, including one granted by King John. This has been strengthened by several Royal Charters since then, notably one granted by Charles I. in 1628 forbidding any other market to be held within a seven-mile radius. Today Kingston’s Ancient Market is renowned for its fantastic displays of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Webster’s Fishmongers is one of the longest established stalls on the market, and has been trading in Kingston since 1866.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/kingstonmarkets
The Guildhall
High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1EUVisitors will be given access to the Queen Anne suite, Members’ room and Charter Gallery . Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Cathy Roberts in the Mayor’s Parlour. The Council Chamber will also be open.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
The Ivy Conduit
Holy Cross Preparatory School, George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7NU The Ivy Conduit, part of the water system that supplied Hampton Court Palace in Tudor times, is situated in the grounds of the school. The old school building, one time home of the author John Galsworthy, will be partially open to visit. In the gardens there is an adventure trail & two Victorian fish ponds.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Tiffin School Guided Tour
Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6RL An Academy since July 2011, Tiffin School is a grammar school whose foundation dates back to 1638. The school opened in 1880 and moved to present site in 1929. It includes a Grade II listed 18th-century house, a school hall with three war memorials and VC plaque, a school archive room and an award-winning learning resource centre. There is also a Grade II listed wall.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Tours of the Dorich House Museum – the Studio Home of the Sculptor Dora Gordine and her husband
67 Kingston Vale, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, SW15 3RN: A special weekend opening and an opportunity to see this 1930s art deco house. Starting with an introductory film, the tour will include the gallery and studios and the private flat and roof terrace. Collections on display: The sculpture drawings and paintings of Dora Gordine. Hon Richard Hare’s unique collection of art from the Russian Empire. Tours last approx. 1hr 15 min. Free drop-in children’s art activity. Event not suitable for children under the age of 3.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.dorichhousemuseum.org.uk
Warren House Conference Centre
Warren Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7HY: Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon of a tour of Warren House and its gardens with afternoon tea and immerse yourself in a copy of The Warren House Tales to fully experience of the timeless magic of this beautiful and historic property. Warren House is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian property with 4 acres of stunning landscaped grounds that was built in 1865 on land bought by Hugh Hammersley from the Duke of Cambridge. There will be an exhibition about The Warren House Tales and a this is a unique opportunity to experience a tour of the house by the author V.K.L Good . Your tour of the fascinating gardens will be by the head gardener. Outdoor garden chess is also available.
For more information and opening times see www.heritageopendays.org.uk
www.warrenhouse.com
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