THE PEPPERPOT: GODALMING'S LITTLE GIANT WITH A BIG STORY
HISTORY OF THE PEPPERPOT
If buildings could talk, The Pepperpot would have a few things to say – and no doubt, it would say them with a wry grin and a knowing wink!
Born from Pride (and a Tight Budget)
In 1814, on land where Godalming’s governance had pulsed for over a thousand years, the townsfolk decided they needed a new seat of power. But in true no-nonsense style, they didn’t splash the cash. For a mere £865, six shillings and eight pence (roughly £60,000 in today’s funny money), The Pepperpot was born; a proud little town hall, cheap but characterful, standing tall in the centre of town. It was a humble, brick-and-mortar declaration of the town’s independence – sturdy, slightly eccentric, and impossible to ignore.
A Building of Many Hats
The Pepperpot has never been a building to sit idle. Over the centuries, it has served as:
- A Council Chamber (where big decisions were made),
- A court (where stern faces judged misdemeanours),
- A lock-up prison (where wrongdoers cooled their heels),
- A public toilet (not its finest hour),
- A florist,
- And even the first home of the Godalming Museum.
Today, it still plays host to lively markets beneath its arches and community meetings upstairs – a true working relic.
Further Information
The Pepperpot, Godalming c.1814
Photo courtesy of Darren Pepe 2016
Theatrical Fame and Damsels in the Dark
When Godalming lit its streets with electricity in 1881 (becoming the first town in the world to do so), The Graphic described the newly illuminated Pepperpot as looking so theatrical “one almost expects a bevy of fair damsels to dance across the street while a villain lurks in the shadows.” A more poetic review of municipal lighting has probably never been written.
Brushes with Death (and a Queen’s Jubilee)
Despite its charm, The Pepperpot has had more close shaves than a Victorian barber’s chair. In 1897, during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, it was nearly demolished for a new building. Again, in 1908 and 1913, traffic schemes eyed it up as an “unsightly obstacle.” Yet somehow, stubborn civic price – and perhaps a little local love – always won out.
Saved by Character
As Godalming’s famous resident garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll, put it: “Although not exactly beautiful… it does have that precious quality of character.”
That character – scrappy, proud and entirely unique – has seen The Pepperpot weather wars, fashion trends and architectural fads alike. It even got a little pampering during its 2009-10 restoration, thanks to Hollywood (proceeds from filming The Holiday helped regild its weather vane – yes really).
Still the Heart of the Town
Even now, The Pepperpot stands firm at the heart of Godalming, a pint-sized powerhouse of history and spirit. In 2023, it once again became the scene of national importance, hosting the local proclamation of the ascent of King Charles III – proof that, when duty calls, The Pepperpot is still very much the town’s beating heart.
Scaffold, Rotten Timber, and a New Chapter
Today, as residents see The Pepperpot clad in scaffolding, it’s not a sign of decline, but of determined stewardship.
Godalming Town Council is once again stepping up to protect this proud piece of our town’s heritage. Essential repairs are underway to tackle rotten timber threatening the elegant cupola – the very ‘pot’ that give The Pepperpot its name and iconic silhouette. Godalming Town Council is committed to keeping residents informed as we write the next chapter in The Pepperpot’s long and colourful story, ensuring it remains standing tall for generations to come.
2025 RENOVATION UPDATE
Following extensive surveys and opening-up inspections in early 2025, serious underlying structural issues were revealed—prompting the Council to approve emergency works in April 2025 and, most recently, an additional £149,000 to ensure full and proper completion of the project. This decisive action brings the investment in the current phase to £316,000, securing the future of this Grade II listed building for generations to come.
Key Progress Highlights:
- Clock Restoration: The Pepperpot’s historic timepiece is being restored by Smith of Derby and is scheduled to return in August 2025.
- Copper Roof and Joinery: The dome, barrel, and support columns of the cupola have been removed for specialist treatment. While the dome and barrel are in sound condition, rotten column bases will be replaced.
- Structural Repairs: Critical repairs are underway to the arches, brickwork, and render. A previously hidden crack in the High Street-facing arch is being carefully stabilised using concealed metalwork, with oversight by structural engineers.
- Window and Ceiling Repairs: All windows have been restored and the undercroft ceiling will be reconstructed using a finish approved by the conservation authority.
Whilst carrying out the works mentioned above it was noticed that there was a small crack in the plaster on the exterior of the stair tourelle (French for turret). The builder was asked to investigate and what he discovered was an extensive and well advanced rot in all the timbers that make up the tourelle. The wood was literally turning to powder when touched. Consequently, the whole tourelle needs to be rebuilt; a project that could go into next year as the weather may not be conducive to the works required. Costs are now estimated at about £360,000.
A HISTORIC RESPONSIBILITY
While earlier decisions dating back to 2009 saw repairs partially deferred due to budget constraints, the cumulative cost of delay—exacerbated by inflation and gradual deterioration—has made full restoration both necessary and urgent. The Council’s actions now reflect a commitment to generational stewardship.
“Completing these works will not only preserve an iconic piece of Godalming’s architectural heritage, but it will also protect future taxpayers from inheriting a far greater liability,” said Cllr Paul Follows, Leader of Godalming Town Council.
The project continues to be carefully managed for both heritage sensitivity and value for money, with ongoing financial oversight from the Policy & Management Committee.
SCAFFOLDING IS DOWN BUT WORK CONTINUES
There was a sense of relief when the Pepperpot emerged from the scaffolding that had been shrouding it for most of the year. It was unveiled in all its renovated glory and for the first time the new copper on the cupola could be seen without obstruction. Work will continue on the stair tourelle for some months to come but Godalming High Street is now adorned with the beautifully, pristine iconic Pepperpot.
