At Heartwood Collection we like to shout about our local heroes. Being sandwiched in the rolling Surrey Hills and only a few minutes walk from Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre, The White Horse is just a short amble away from an array of prestigious blue plaques recognising sites of historical significance.

Adorning the former homes of influential individuals, the blue plaques were commissioned by the Dorking Society in conjunction with Dorking Museum and can be spotted in and around the town. 

Celebrating two such extraordinary people is a plaque hailing Frederick and Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, two of the most significant suffragette campaigners. You can find this commemorative plaque on the wall of number 43 Howard Road, just an eight minute walk from The White Horse. This particular plaque was installed by Dorking Museum in 2018 to mark the centenary of the grant of the women’s vote.

Five minutes walk away from our gorgeous new venue, outside 44 West Street, is another blue plaque indicating the site of Dorking’s first Methodist Chapel opened by the founder of Methodism himself, John Wesley. 

Another on Wathen Road honours Laurence Olivier, the actor, who was born and raised in Dorking and on West Street, one sits proudly on the home of William Mullins, a Pilgrim Father who sailed on the Mayflower to America, in 1620.

Drop in to see us at The White Horse and while you’re tasting our delicious and lovingly prepared seasonal dishes, see how many of these nods to remarkable local people you can spot…