Visit to Prior's Field School, Puttenham, Surrey
Applications are now invited for our visit to Prior's Field School, Puttenham, Surrey, on Saturday 17th May 2025.
The School
Originally known as Prior's Garth, the building was designed by Voysey in 1900 for F.H. Chambers. In the event, Chambers never moved in and the house was purchased in 1901 by Leonard Huxley and his wife Julia (niece of the poet Matthew Arnold and granddaughter of Dr Thomas Arnold, the headmaster of Rugby School immortalised in the novel Tom Brown's schooldays).
Julia Huxley had long cherished an ambition to open her own school. Having bought the house in its five-acre plot she started her "high class school for girls" with just one boarder and her dog, five day girls and her seven and a half year old son, Aldous. The school opened on 23rd January 1902 and continues to thrive today, with several extensions built to accommodate more students over time.
The original house still contains typical Voysey features, including fireplaces, window latches and door handles and keyholes. The iconic air vents with their motifs of birds and trees can still be seen. The Oak Hall, with its fine staircase, remains the heart of the school.
The original builder was Frederick Müntzer. Later additions, formerly known as Private Side, were by Tom Müntzer. The garden was laid out in a Gertrude Jekyll inspired design and featured herbaceous borders, dry Bargate stone walls, a dipping pond and rock garden
Programme
The day will start with registration from 1.15pm onwards. All other times following the start are approximate. This will be exam time, so please be respectful.
- 13.15-13.30 : Arrive
- 13.30 : Welcome and introduction
- 13.45 : Group splits into two for guided tours of interior and exterior
- 14.30 : Groups change over
- 15.15 : Afternoon tea and farewell
- 16.00 : Event concludes
The visit will include tea, coffee or soft drinks and cake after the tours.
Charges
A charge of £15 per head will be made to members. We are happy to accept guests at this event if space permits after the needs of members have been met. If we are able to include non-members, the charge for them will be £18 per head.
All refreshments are included in the price.
Directions
The school is in Priorsfield Road, Puttenham, near Godalming in Surrey. The postcode is GU7 2RH. From the A3, take the B3000 south-east towards Godalming, and then the second exit from the roundabout. Parking is available on site.
There are ongoing roadworks at Junction 10 where the M25 meets the A3 Wisley road. Please check the latest information from National Highways before travelling.
How to apply
This event is now fully booked.
Another place to see nearby
- Watts Gallery & artists' village : founded in 1904, Watts Gallery offers a unique insight into the life and work of George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts. Includes the Watts Cemetery Chapel and Limnerslease, the home of the Watts family. 1.6 miles from Prior's Field School.
The School (photographs © Dr Catherine Sidwell).
There are more photographs and drawings in the Theuerkauf archive.
Please note our photography guidelines. We shall assume that attendees consent to their own inclusion in photographs taken on the day unless they advise the group leader otherwise.
You participate in events at your own risk, and neither the Voysey Society nor its officers or other volunteers accept any liability whatsoever, however arising. The Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone events if necessary. Before applying for an event, take into account any possible difficulty you may have because of weather, health or other conditions. In hot weather, consider bringing water and protection from the sun.
Page last amended 2nd May 2025