St. John's Seminary

St. John's Seminary is a Grade II listed building in Wonersh featuring Victorian Gothic design with red brick walls, decorative stone elements, and a prominent central tower. The distinctive architectural style makes the complex instantly recognizable across the surrounding landscape.

The seminary opened in 1891 as a training institution for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and operated for approximately 130 years. It ceased functioning in 2021 and has since undergone conversion to new residential uses.

For over a century, this place served as a training center for Catholic priests serving the southern regions, making it a focal point of religious life. The buildings and grounds still carry the marks of this devoted educational mission.

The site is no longer accessible as a functioning religious institution since it is now private property undergoing conversion. Visitors can still view and appreciate the exterior architecture from the surrounding area.

The seminary's treasured religious objects were relocated to form The Wonersh Collection at Stonyhurst College Museum rather than remaining on site. This arrangement preserves the spiritual heritage of the place while making it available to the wider public.

Location: Wonersh

Inception: 1891

Architects: Frederick Walters

Website: http://wonersh.org

GPS coordinates: 51.19580,-0.53528

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05