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