A Brief History of Guildford

Guildford began as a Saxon village by a ford and from 978 it was the location of the Royal Mint.

Guildford Castle may date back to Saxon times, if not much earlier. Its situation overlooks the pass through the hills taken by the Pilgrims Way.

Guildford appears in Domesday Book of 1086 as Geldeford and Gildeford.

After his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror had the castle built, or maybe rebuilt.

From the 14th century to the 18th century, Guildford prospered with the wool trade.

Still standing today, the Guild Hall was built in the 1300s. The projecting clock was added to the front of the building in 1683.

In 1619 George Abbot founded some almshouses, now commonly known as Abbot's Hospital, at the top of the High Street.

The Wey Navigation was finished in 1653 and this had a significant impact as it made it possible for Guildford businesses to access the Thames at Weybridge by boat.

In 1836 a Borough Council was formed. The Council paved the streets and constructed drains and sewers in the late 19th Century.

In 1927 the diocese of Guildford was created, and although work on Guildford Cathedral began in 1936, it was consecrated in 1961.

A lido was opened in 1933 and it is still in use today during the summer months.

More recently, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre, named after a singer, actress and concert pianist, was opened in 1965.

A few years later, in 1968, the University of Surrey accepted its first students.

1980 saw the opening of the Friary shopping centre as well as the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Guildford Today

According to the 2001 census, the Borough of Guildford has a population of 130,717.

It is a lively market town, famed for its shopping. There is a regular market held on Fridays and Saturdays and a farmers' market usually takes place on the first Tuesday of each month.

The University of Surrey is about ten minutes' walk from the main line railway station in Guildford. The Cathedral can be found next to the university's main campus. The Royal Surrey County Hospital is also nearby. The Guildford House Gallery can be found on the High Street and this is the most visited Art Gallery in Surrey.