"Grayshott Public Amenities"
Public Conveniences
Discussions regarding the provision of public toilets in Grayshott started with the Parish Council in 1922 but with no positive outcome. By 1924 the People's Refreshment House Association provided 'accommodation' for ladies behind the 'Fox and the Pelican'. This 'accommodation' was apparently improved but during world war two problems arose with the large influx of troops and these facilities were then only made available during opening hours. Further indecision continued between Parish and District councils etc. until finally the building which has served the village well until recently was built in 1955. It is worth noting that main drainage did not come to the village until 1958.
The toilet shown below was demolished in June 2007 and replaced with a
larger building situated at the rear of the car park incorporating a toilet
block and a police office
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Grayshott public toilets built in 1955 adjacent to the car park below the Fox & Pelican public house. |
The old toilets following demolition. The new block, seen in the back of the car park would not open for some time but demolition was necessary in order to connect the water supply. |
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The new toilets and police room
in Grayshott opened in June 2007 by The Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot
MP.
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The new toilets and police room.
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The Drinking Fountain
This public fresh water drinking fountain was situated on the corner of Hill Road and Headley Road and stood some 6 feet high and about 3 feet square ( 1.83 x 0.92 x 0.92m) and was finished in blue glazed tile work all somewhat typical of the Edwardian period. It is assumed it was constructed about 1904 when a supply of mains water arrived in Grayshott.
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| The junction of Crossways Road and Headley Road, Grayshott c.1913, the fountain can be seen centre left. | Detail of Grayshott's public drinking fountain. The glazed tiles may just be seen in this very grainy enlargement. |
Sadly the fountain was demolished in 1960 when various road improvements were carried out at the corner.
A large open ditch on Headley Road which latterly had white painted concrete posts and iron railings around it was filled in and now forms part of the parking area opposite St. Luke's church.
Richard Peskett
Grayshott Village Archive, November 2007
Photographs: Photographs of the old and new toilet blocks specially taken
for GVA by Ken Drake and David Barrett
Reference: Grayshott Village Archive