Guildford, the county town of Surrey

The town itself is situated on the banks of the River Wey, occupying a natural gap in the North Downs that provides excellent road and rail connections to the South East of England.  

 The modern town can trace its origins to the Roman occupation of Britain, evidence of Roman dwellings having been found throughout the area. By Saxon times a small town was well established and, as the Saxon era ended, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle from which the new order exerted control over the local inhabitants. By the late 14th century the castle was of little practical importance and was abandoned, although the ruins and grounds continued to be used for less grand purposes, including cock fighting and farming.

 

Interesting Facts About Guildford

• Over 200,000 people contributed a brick to the cathedral construction fund.
• The university is ranked among the top 10 UK universities.
• Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carrol, wrote “Through The Looking Glass” whilst living in Guildford.
• Henry III, King John, and Eleanor of Castile all stayed in Guildford Castle.
• The remains of what is believed to the oldest synagogue in Western Europe were found under the High Street.
• Parts of the film, The Omen, were filmed at Guildford Cathedral.
• Alan Turing, code-breaker and mathematician, lived in Guildford.
• Although Guildford has a cathedral it is not a city. In 2002 Guildford applied for city status, but was turned down.
• The first written reference to cricket appears in a 16th century court case involving the Royal Grammar School in Guildford.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The ancient St Mary's church on Quarry Street
  
  
  

  

  Guildford Museum

  The Guildford Museum takes a look at the history of Guildford and the surrounding towns beginning from pre-historic times through to the 20th century.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Guildford Cathedral

  Perched on Stag Hill, adjacent to the university campus, the cathedral is an example of modern design utilising equally modern materials. Unlike many cathedrals, stained-glass windows are noticeably absent; almost all the windows are of plain glass, allowing natural light to flood the white interior.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Guildford Castle

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Guildford High Street
  The beautiful cobbled streets, historic buildings and famous Guildhall clock make Guildford one of the most attractive high streets in the country.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  The Hospital of the Blessed Trinity, better known as Abbot's Hospital, is a Grade I listed Jacobean building and charity in Guildford

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Dapdune Wharf is a former wharf on the Wey and Godalming Navigations in Guildford, England, UK