Architecture and West Street
West Street contains some of the best preserved of Dorking's historic buildings. It is a wonderful mix of architectural styles. The largest building in the street and one that has considerable presence, is the former public hall built in 1872. It had a chequered life as a public hall, county court, magistrate's court, theatre, cinema, and ambulance/fire station and library headquarters. It was the venue of the first performance of the illusion 'Sawing through a Woman', performed by Mr Percy Selbit in the 1930s.
At the other end of the scale is the early 16th century King's Arms public house. The red clay roof tiled roof and upper storey of patterned tile hanging, tall brick chimneys, low ceiling heights and dormer windows create a picturesque scene of vernacular architecture.
Many of West Street's buildings are older than they seem. Behind 18th and 19th century exteriors are older medieval timber frame cores. Two to Four Restaurant is typical, with its 18th century façade and medieval interior. Many late 18th and 19th century shop fronts survive to create a special atmosphere to this shopping street.
Several other buildings are worth noting. Dorking architect and builder William Shearburn built the elegant United Reformed Church half way along the street in 1834. Its attractive Italianate front provides a backdrop to pleasant gardens, a haven from the busy street. Number 19 West Street is the exuberantly decorated front of Harman's Antiques. Numbers 58 to 61 is the former home of Pilgrim Father William Mullins. The exterior of the house is a 17th century range on an even earlier building. The four tile hung gables are a distinctive feature in the street.
Tucked in behind West Street is The Old Foundry, now the home of the Dorking and District Museum. The Victorian foundry was typical of many working buildings that lurked behind the shopping frontages. Amongst the items produced in the foundry were manhole covers and gutter-grates that can still be seen in Dorking's streets.
