Puddock Copse

Wood, Forest in Surrey Guildford

England

Puddock Copse

Near Conduit Farm Looking across ploughed farmland near Conduit Farm (on the right) with the transmitter masts on top of the eastern end of the Hog's Back ridge in the background.
Near Conduit Farm Credit: Ian Capper

Puddock Copse is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Surrey, England. Situated near the village of Cranleigh, this charming forest is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Spanning an area of approximately 50 acres, Puddock Copse offers visitors a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city life.

The woodland is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a stunning display of colors throughout the seasons. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of ferns, bluebells, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the area.

Puddock Copse is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their leisure. These paths lead to secluded glades, hidden ponds, and idyllic picnic spots, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and families alike.

The forest is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, providing a haven for many species. Bird enthusiasts can spot various species of woodland birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. In addition, small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and badgers can often be observed going about their daily activities.

Puddock Copse is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, which ensures the preservation of its natural environment and the protection of its wildlife. The trust also organizes events and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainability.

Overall, Puddock Copse offers visitors a delightful escape into nature, where they can immerse themselves in the beauty of the woodland and experience the tranquility it provides.

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Puddock Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.21406/-0.61532014 or Grid Reference SU9647. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Near Conduit Farm Looking across ploughed farmland near Conduit Farm (on the right) with the transmitter masts on top of the eastern end of the Hog's Back ridge in the background.
Near Conduit Farm
Looking across ploughed farmland near Conduit Farm (on the right) with the transmitter masts on top of the eastern end of the Hog's Back ridge in the background.
Limnerslease Limnerslease near Compton in Hampshire was the home of the artist George Frederic Watts (23rd February 1817 – 1st July 1904) <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frederic_Watts" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frederic_Watts">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and his second wife, Mary Seton Watts (née Mary Fraser Tytler <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Fraser_Tytler" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Fraser_Tytler">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ). It now forms part of the Watts Gallery Artists' Village site <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/about-us/watts-story" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/about-us/watts-story">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> which can be visited (charge; free for HHA members). Unfortunately the house wasn't open at the time of our visit due to staffing problems, but there are numerous other interesting things at the site particularly the galleries and the nearby <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a>
Limnerslease which dates from 1891 is EH Grade II listed: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1029544?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1029544?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Limnerslease
Limnerslease near Compton in Hampshire was the home of the artist George Frederic Watts (23rd February 1817 – 1st July 1904) LinkExternal link and his second wife, Mary Seton Watts (née Mary Fraser Tytler LinkExternal link ). It now forms part of the Watts Gallery Artists' Village site LinkExternal link which can be visited (charge; free for HHA members). Unfortunately the house wasn't open at the time of our visit due to staffing problems, but there are numerous other interesting things at the site particularly the galleries and the nearby SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel Limnerslease which dates from 1891 is EH Grade II listed: LinkExternal link
Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - western side This cross in the grounds of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194854">SU9547 : Limnerslease</a> along the Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury was created in the early C20th by the artist and designer Mary Watts in memory of her husband, the artist George Frederic Watts. On this side the sword is thought to represent the martyrdom of St Thomas a Becket (Canterbury 1170, to whose shrine the pilgrims would have been heading). There are various Celtic plaits and shield-knots on the cross, traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits.
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194862">SU9547 : Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - from northeast</a> for a different aspect of this cross.
Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - western side
This cross in the grounds of SU9547 : Limnerslease along the Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury was created in the early C20th by the artist and designer Mary Watts in memory of her husband, the artist George Frederic Watts. On this side the sword is thought to represent the martyrdom of St Thomas a Becket (Canterbury 1170, to whose shrine the pilgrims would have been heading). There are various Celtic plaits and shield-knots on the cross, traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits. See also SU9547 : Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - from northeast for a different aspect of this cross.
Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - from northeast This cross in the grounds of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194854">SU9547 : Limnerslease</a> along the Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury was created in the early C20th by the artist and designer Mary Watts in memory of her husband, the artist George Frederic Watts. On the eastern side is a depiction of Christ crucified with panels depicting pilgrims, while along the edges are various Celtic plaits and shield-knots on the cross, traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits.
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194859">SU9547 : Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - western side</a> for a different aspect of this cross.
Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - from northeast
This cross in the grounds of SU9547 : Limnerslease along the Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury was created in the early C20th by the artist and designer Mary Watts in memory of her husband, the artist George Frederic Watts. On the eastern side is a depiction of Christ crucified with panels depicting pilgrims, while along the edges are various Celtic plaits and shield-knots on the cross, traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits. See also SU9547 : Limnerslease grounds - Modern Celtic Cross - western side for a different aspect of this cross.
Watts Memorial Chapel This view of the remarkable Watts Memorial Chapel is from its associated cemetery looking southwestwards. 
See the shared description below for more information and links:
Watts Memorial Chapel
This view of the remarkable Watts Memorial Chapel is from its associated cemetery looking southwestwards. See the shared description below for more information and links:
Watts Memorial Chapel - northwestern quadrant As one approaches the Watts Chapel on the path from the lychgate this is the first view of it, with its entrance on the right, up to which the path leads.
For a closer view of the curved panels, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194973">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Terracotta panels, NW quadrant</a>
Watts Memorial Chapel - northwestern quadrant
As one approaches the Watts Chapel on the path from the lychgate this is the first view of it, with its entrance on the right, up to which the path leads. For a closer view of the curved panels, see SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Terracotta panels, NW quadrant
Watts Memorial Chapel - Terracotta panels, NW quadrant A closer view of the intricate Art Nouveau terracotta panels seen at wider angle in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194969">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - northwestern quadrant</a>
Watts Memorial Chapel - Terracotta panels, NW quadrant
A closer view of the intricate Art Nouveau terracotta panels seen at wider angle in SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - northwestern quadrant
Watts Memorial Chapel - Terracotta panels, SE quadrant Intricate Art Nouveau terracotta panels on the southeastern quadrant of the Watts Memorial Chapel.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Terracotta panels, SE quadrant
Intricate Art Nouveau terracotta panels on the southeastern quadrant of the Watts Memorial Chapel.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance The arched entrance into the Watts Chapel is a fusion of Romanesque and Art Nouveau styles. The semicircular three-ordered arch belonging to the former style, while the decoration of intricate and convoluted designs and heads is of the latter - with a little Celtic influence thrown in for good measure!
See detail here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194987">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance archway detail</a>.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance
The arched entrance into the Watts Chapel is a fusion of Romanesque and Art Nouveau styles. The semicircular three-ordered arch belonging to the former style, while the decoration of intricate and convoluted designs and heads is of the latter - with a little Celtic influence thrown in for good measure! See detail here SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance archway detail.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance archway detail A close-up view of some of the remarkable terracotta tiles that form the top of the entrance arch seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194979">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance</a>
The outer order clearly displays Celtic style designs, while the middle and inner orders are more Art Nouveau - all of this being detail on a Romanesque style arch.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance archway detail
A close-up view of some of the remarkable terracotta tiles that form the top of the entrance arch seen in SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Entrance The outer order clearly displays Celtic style designs, while the middle and inner orders are more Art Nouveau - all of this being detail on a Romanesque style arch.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Angels adorn the interior As can be seen, the interior of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a> is quite remarkably decorated in Art Nouveau style with complex symbolism - G F Watts is considered to have been a 'symbolist' painter - he said "I paint ideas, not things." However, he was dead by the time this chapel was created, so its designs are primarily the work of his widow, Mary.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Angels adorn the interior
As can be seen, the interior of SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel is quite remarkably decorated in Art Nouveau style with complex symbolism - G F Watts is considered to have been a 'symbolist' painter - he said "I paint ideas, not things." However, he was dead by the time this chapel was created, so its designs are primarily the work of his widow, Mary.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Interior above the altar Looking at the fantastically decorated interior of the <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a>; this view is above the altar on the eastern side. The style is emphatically Art Nouveau and features angels and cherubs' heads.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Interior above the altar
Looking at the fantastically decorated interior of the SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel; this view is above the altar on the eastern side. The style is emphatically Art Nouveau and features angels and cherubs' heads.
Watts Memorial Chapel - Art Nouveau angel One of the many angels adorning the interior of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a>
Watts Memorial Chapel - Art Nouveau angel
One of the many angels adorning the interior of SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel
Watts Memorial Chapel - View upwards Looking directly upwards in the middle of the fabulously decorated interior of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a>
Watts Memorial Chapel - View upwards
Looking directly upwards in the middle of the fabulously decorated interior of SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel
Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar Looking at the ornately decorated altar in the eastern arm of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a>
The altar is inscribed "This chapel designed by Mrs Watts, wife of G F Watts OMRA, was built in 1896 by her and the people of Compton. It is dedicated to the memory of all who rest near its walls."
For a closer view of the central painting, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7195086">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar painting - "The All Pervading"</a>
Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar
Looking at the ornately decorated altar in the eastern arm of SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel The altar is inscribed "This chapel designed by Mrs Watts, wife of G F Watts OMRA, was built in 1896 by her and the people of Compton. It is dedicated to the memory of all who rest near its walls." For a closer view of the central painting, see SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar painting - "The All Pervading"
Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar painting - "The All Pervading" Immediately above <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7195065">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar</a> is featured the painting "The All Pervading" by the Symbolist artist G F Watts, to whom the chapel is dedicated and which was created by his wife Mary.
Note: The EH listing refers to this painting as "The All Rewarding" - but research on Watts' paintings suggests "Pervading" rather than "Rewarding" as the correct title.
See shared description below:
Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar painting - "The All Pervading"
Immediately above SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel - Altar is featured the painting "The All Pervading" by the Symbolist artist G F Watts, to whom the chapel is dedicated and which was created by his wife Mary. Note: The EH listing refers to this painting as "The All Rewarding" - but research on Watts' paintings suggests "Pervading" rather than "Rewarding" as the correct title. See shared description below:
Watts Memorial Cloister The Watts Memorial Cloister is along the northeastern flank of the cemetery surrounding <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7194881">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel</a>. It was designed and built in 1911 by Mary Seton Watts, widow of the artist G F Watts to whom it is dedicated. The cloister contains a number of plaques to departed souls including her husband (at centre) - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7195110">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Plaque</a>
Note curvature of its base is *not* a photographic aberration - it really is curved like that - which in itself is unusual as normally the ground would be levelled to facilitate simpler construction.
Watts Memorial Cloister
The Watts Memorial Cloister is along the northeastern flank of the cemetery surrounding SU9547 : Watts Memorial Chapel. It was designed and built in 1911 by Mary Seton Watts, widow of the artist G F Watts to whom it is dedicated. The cloister contains a number of plaques to departed souls including her husband (at centre) - see SU9547 : Watts Memorial Plaque Note curvature of its base is *not* a photographic aberration - it really is curved like that - which in itself is unusual as normally the ground would be levelled to facilitate simpler construction.
Watts Memorial Plaque This memorial is at the centre of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7195095">SU9547 : Watts Memorial Cloister</a> and is to the  Symbolist artist G F Watts.
The inscription beneath it reads:
1817 - George Frederic Watts - 1904
As one "that doeth Truth Cometh to the Light
So he, living, sought Light diligently
and dying could say "Now I see that great Light"
So may man's soul be sure of Vision
When suddenly she is sure of Light.
For this Light is from Him, and is He.
(Plotinus AD200)
(Punctuation and capitalisation as per tablet)
Watts Memorial Plaque
This memorial is at the centre of SU9547 : Watts Memorial Cloister and is to the Symbolist artist G F Watts. The inscription beneath it reads: 1817 - George Frederic Watts - 1904 As one "that doeth Truth Cometh to the Light So he, living, sought Light diligently and dying could say "Now I see that great Light" So may man's soul be sure of Vision When suddenly she is sure of Light. For this Light is from Him, and is He. (Plotinus AD200) (Punctuation and capitalisation as per tablet)
Show me another place!

Puddock Copse is located at Grid Ref: SU9647 (Lat: 51.21406, Lng: -0.61532014)

Administrative County: Surrey

District: Guildford

Police Authority: Surrey

What 3 Words

///rope.salon.volume. Near Godalming, Surrey

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.21406,-0.61532014
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