By 1783 the ancient building had become very dilapidated. The Parish registers note that Thomas Newman and Elizabeth Woods had to be married in Worplesdon, Pirbright church 'being out of repair'. Pirbright was at that time a very poor village, and villagers could not meet the cost of rebuilding, so a meeting was held at the White Hart pub and the decision made to apply for permission to raise money by public subscription. A statement in the Overseers’ Accounts declares : ‘1785: Att a publik vestry call, this thirteenth Day of September at the Wyte hart to impower Thomas Woods and John Collins Churchwardens………. to Bori mony towards the Bilden of the Curch we under set our hands to agree to hit’. Just at that time King George III was travelling through Pirbright when his coach was overturned. The villagers rescued him and gave him hospitality whilst his coach was repaired. Such was his gratitude that he issued a petition for all the churches in England to contribute to the rebuilding of Pirbright Church. A copy of that petition can be seen in the church today. The funds were raised and in 1785 the church and tower were taken down and rebuilt, the church with brick and the Lady Chapel and tower with small squared stones dug from the neighbouring commons.
That pub still stands, but a few years ago the brewery company decided to rename it and the village wasn't happy. As a response, the parish constructed a sign opposite the pub saying "White Hart Corner". It was only 2 or 3 years and the pub became the White Hart once again!
Although the stonework is similar throughout, it looks like 3 differing architectural styles are at play here. Nice bright and clear. Nice to see the old headstones. V
