Armed forces statue
The bronze man with a book is the work of sculptor David Annand, and was unveiled in 2018. The memorial commemorates people from Guildford borough who have lost their lives in conflict or in active service since the end of the second world war. The three arcs above the statue represent the armed forces – being army, air force, and navy.
Directly in front of you, you’ll see the Guildford Bowling Green, where people have been enjoying the gentile sport of bowling since at least 1739. The current Castle Green Bowling club was founded in 1921.
Turn so that the bowling green is behind you, and take the path that is behind the bench – following this to the right to Alice’s Garden.
Alice through the looking glass
The statue of Alice through the looking glass needs little in the way explanation, though when I visited it, it needed something of a wash. The blue plaque will tell you everything that you’re likely to be interested in, including Reverend Dodgson’s relationship with a local girl and his camera.
Make your way back to the bronze statue, and now walk along the right-hand side of the bowling green.
Above, and to your right you’ll see the Victorian Guildford Bandstand – the setting and backdrop for concerts and musical performances through the year. Built in Victorian times, under the auspices of Henry Peak, it dates back to circa 1888.
Make your way to the far end of the bowling green where you’ll find a memorial to the fallen of the two world wars.
