Parvis Wharf dates back to at least 1775 and is the last remaining rural wharf on the River Wey. It comprises all the land and buildings between Parvis Bridge and the new bridge constructed for the M25. This historic site is now owned by the National Trust on the beautiful River Wey and Godalming Navigations.

The photograph shows a typical Wey barge at the wharf transferring it’s load. You can clearly see the open fields, a small cottage and hay stacks in the fields behind the wharf. The horses and cart are ready for the off. The sign on the wooden gable end of the building on the left is an advert for the Queen's Head pub, still there today, in Parvis Road as you enter Byfleet Village.

This photograph, part of the Harry Stevens Collection owned by Guildford Museum, is undated in their collection, but by a process of elimination, we have dated it to 1910, 1911 or 1912. It clearly shows a typical Wey Barge operated by the Stevens family and built by the Edwards family at Dapdune Wharf. As these barges were all built between 1910 and 1936 the photo cannot be earlier than 1910. In the bottom left of the photo you can see the brick wing wall of Parvis Bridge. In 1912 the single track wing-walled bridge was replaced with the current one, therefore dating this photo to no later than 1912. Parts of the base of the wing wall can still be seen today at Parvis Wharf.

Today’s view is somewhat different - the Grist Mill, the building on the left, has been extended to two floors, and is easily recognised by its distinctive gantry protruding from the upper floor out towards the water. The one in the middle has been demolished (foundations still visible today) and the Barn, the building on the right, is much the same as it was in 1910. The M25 runs right through the hay-stacks!

The Grist Mill is believed to have been built around 1800 as a wharf store/warehouse. It got its name in the 1930s when occupied by Surrey Grist Mills Ltd and it is thought that the upstairs was added at this time. Origins and purpose of the Barn as less clear, but it is understood to date to about 1880, and has some wonderful oak timbers inside.

We are pleased to be the tenants of Parvis Wharf, full of history and character, and bringing to it another waterway related business in keeping with it’s heritage.

For more information on the River Wey: its facilities, history, wildlife, famous sons & daughters, visit:

The National Trust:- http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey

Wey Valley Exchange:- http://www.weyriver.co.uk/theriver