There are many ways to learn about Guildford’s history. This web site is a good starting point as are the books you can buy or find in local libraries. Guildford Library in North Street has a good local history section. For more specific research the Surrey History Centre, Surrey Archaeological Society Library and Guildford Institute…
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Decolonisation
Decolonisation Decolonisation is one of the biggest issues facing museums. The Museum’s Association has been championing the debate for many years and gave it top billing at the 2019 annual conference. In 2020 following the murder of George Floyd in America, the Black Lives Matter protests gave the issue new impetus. The need to broaden…
Walks & Talks
Walks and Talks No events currently on this page. As use of the site increases, this page will be used to advertise events. For walks please see the Guildford Town Guides website Heritage Open Days HODs
Heritage Projects and Issues
Heritage Projects and Issues Burchatts Farm Barn – three principles the Council must acknowledge Decolonisation New hope for West Lodge New ideas for Guildford Museum Marlyn’s House, Burpham Plans to save Pewley Down sign Guildford Museum Latest News -July 2020 Thoughts on the future of Guildford Museum Can heritage help post Covid-19 Guildford? Guildford Museum…
Arts & Crafts Movement in Surrey
This article was originally published in Surrey Life in Feburary 2011. The Arts and Crafts Movement can be an intimidating subject for new-comers. Here, the honorary secretary of the Society for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey, Denise Todd, reveals what it meant for the county A REACTION to the ethos, products and buildings…
Stoke Lock
The Wey Navigation is one of the earliest in the country and was built by Richard Weston. The current Stoke lock, that was opened in 1653 and has a large grey dressed stone incorporated into the structure which was brought here from Henry VIIIs palace at Oatlands near Weybridge after it had been demolished in 1650. The lock-keeper’s…
Stoke Mill
Stoke Mill is included in the Doomsday book. It was converted to a paper mill in 1635 by Sir Richard Weston of Sutton Place. The original mill burnt down in 1863. Such was the rivalry between Stoke and Guildford that the good people of Guildford refused to yoke horses to the fire engine, causing the…
Stoke Hill House
Stoke Hill House was situated in the modern Bellfields Estate close to Slyfield Greet. It enjoyed magnificent views across farmland to Guildford prior to the building of the Bellfields Estate from 1944. Its owner, Francis Paynter was to have a big influence on the shaping of Guildford. As Rector of Stoke Church he built Christ…
Fanny Paynter
This information appeared in the Guildford Dragon and was written by David Rose. I came across it whilst looking up some information on Bellfields. Julia ‘Fanny’ Paynter was married to the Rev’d Francis Payner, who was a rector of St John’s Church in Stoke Road for many years during the second half of the 19th…
New hope for West Lodge
West lodgeLast Wednesday (26th January 2021) the council’s planning committee threw historic West Lodge a lifeline. The local parish council had applied to change the use from residential to community use and can now investigate ways of giving this building a useful and secure future. It was a significant decision because the Council had been…