The History of Cromwells

A Building at the Heart of Cranleigh for Over 450 Years

Cromwells Brasserie & Rooms is proudly housed within Oliver House, one of Cranleigh's oldest and most cherished historic buildings. Dating back to around 1560, this beautiful timber-framed property has stood prominently on Cranleigh High Street for more than four centuries, witnessing the village's evolution from a rural market settlement into the vibrant community it is today.

Oliver Cromwell, Cranleigh & Cromwell's

The building's connection to Oliver Cromwell forms one of Cranleigh's most enduring local stories. According to village tradition, Cromwell visited Cranleigh in 1657 as the guest of Sir Richard Onslow at Knowle House. During his stay, members of his household and soldiers are believed to have been accommodated at what is now Oliver House and the neighbouring Cromwell Cottage, giving rise to the name by which the building is known today.

This visit is also linked to a significant moment in Cranleigh's history. In 1657, Cromwell granted the village a charter permitting two annual fairs, helping to establish Cranleigh as an important centre for trade and commerce within the region. The original charter, handwritten on parchment and bearing Cromwell's seal, was preserved at Knowle House for many years before being entrusted to Cranleigh School, where it remains today as an important piece of the village's heritage.

Whether legend, history, or a blend of both, Cromwell's connection to Cranleigh has become woven into the fabric of village life. The names Oliver House, Cromwell Cottage, and Cromwell Place stand as lasting reminders of this fascinating chapter in the area's past.

The Last 50 Years

In more recent times, Oliver House has continued its tradition of hospitality. For over half a century, the building welcomed generations of residents and visitors as a much-loved tearoom before beginning its latest chapter as Cromwells Brasserie & Rooms in 2026. Today, guests can enjoy the unique opportunity to dine and stay within a building that has been at the centre of Cranleigh life for more than 450 years.