GUILDFORD BLUE PLAQUES
Self-Guided Trail
Located around central Guildford you’ll find a number of informative and graphical historical blue plaques that provide contextual information about the location and its history.
When I photographed and transcribed them, I found 29 blue plaques and 1 black one. Googling has revealed a further one – Castle Square – which I’ve been unable to find. It was at the site of Charcoal Barn on Tunsgate – which is where The Ivy Asia (will be soon | is | was) (delete as applicable).
I’ve not been able to find a definitive list of these plaques, so I’ll add to this list as and when I find further ones.
I’m not a Guildford historian, and I’m not running a venture that makes any money through the Guildford content on my website. I’ve transcribed these as part of the work to build my Self-Guided Walking Trail of Guildford, and my free Guildford Treasure Hunt.
I’ve also catalogued and transcribed these local historical artefacts in recognition that not everyone can visit Guildford, nor does everyone have the means by which to visit these places.
Given these are transcripts of publicly available work, on a free to use website, you’re free to copy the contents. If you choose to do this, in recognition of the work that has gone into this, feel free to credit the source.
All but one of these blue plaques features on my walking trails, which have navigation instructions. If you’re not familiar with Guildford, this map of Guildford Blue Plaques may help. Please take care crossing roads, and mind your feet for sharp objects.
Guildford – a short introduction to Guildford
Guildford Town Bridge – a centuries old crossing of the River Wey
Alice and the White Rabbit – Alice, her sister and the white rabbit
The Wey and Godalming Navigations – a waterway of two halves
The Town Mills – from milling to power production
St Mary’s Church – the oldest surviving building in Guildford
Quarry Street and Rosemary Alley – the old route to the South and a former ditch
Guildford Museum – home to a world of treasures
Castle Arch – an ancient way to the castle
Castle Cliffe Gardens – gardens with subterranean secrets
Guildford Palace – a former royal destination of choice
The Castle Keep – watching over Guildford since Norman times
Alice through the looking glass – relating Lewis Carroll’s relationship with Guildford
The Bowling Green – a tranquil pass-time for 200 years
Henry Peak – a key visionary of Victorian Guildford
Castle Square – a thriving part of central Guildford life
Tunsgate Arch – former corn market and seat of justice
Guildhall – The seat of power and decision-making for centuries
Guildford House – Guildford’s art museum
Holy Trinity Church – the final resting place of George Abbot
The Three Pigeons – an atmospheric pub with a spooky reputation
Abbot’s Hospital – a gift from George Abbot to his home town
The Royal Grammar School – a seat of learning since 1586
Somerset House – property of the 6th Duke of Somerset
Allen House Gardens – a stylish and substantial residence
Foxenden Quarry Deep Shelter – designed to shelter 1,000 people from war-time bombs.
Quaker’s Acre – an ancient burial ground
Angel Hotel – the only remaining coaching inn
Guildford MPD – home to Guildford’s railway locomotives
The Guildford Friary – 13th century friary, mansion, and now shopping centre
Friary Square – once home to a tank and The Bear pub