A concise history of Guildford
The earliest records of Guildford date back to the Anglo-Saxon era in the 9th century. At that time, it was known as ‘Gyldeford’, meaning ‘golden ford’ in reference to the golden sand of the River Wey that runs through the town. The Saxons built a small settlement on the hilltop, where the castle now stands, as this provided a strategic position for defense against enemies.
In the 11th century, the Normans invaded and took control of England. Guildford, being a strategic stronghold, was granted to William the Conqueror’s brother-in-law, William de Warenne. He built the first castle in Guildford, which still stands today, making it one of the most well-preserved Norman castles in England. The castle played a significant role in the history of England, being used as a royal residence, a military base, and a prison. Today, Guildford Castle is a popular tourist attraction and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
During the Middle Ages, Guildford grew as a market town, trading in wool, as well as other goods like wood, leather, and pottery. The town also became known for its beautiful churches, such as St. Mary’s Church, built in the 12th century, and Holy Trinity Church, built in the 14th century. These churches still stand today, showcasing stunning medieval architecture and serving as important landmarks in the town.
In 1485, a significant event took place in Guildford that would shape the future of England. On a hill just outside the town, known as ‘Mount Place’, Henry VII, the first Tudor king, rallied his troops before the Battle of Bosworth Field. This battle marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. To commemorate this historic event, today, a statue of Henry VII stands on Mount Place, overlooking the town.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Guildford continued to prosper as a market town and became known for its cloth industry. The town also saw an increase in its population, with more people moving to Guildford due to its thriving economy. However, the town’s growth was hampered by the outbreak of the plague in 1563, which killed a third of the population. But despite this setback, Guildford continued to grow, and in 1596, Queen Elizabeth I granted the town a charter, making it a borough with its own mayor and corporation.
The 18th century brought further development to Guildford, with the construction of the first turnpike roads, connecting the town to other major cities like London and Portsmouth. These roads allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, boosting the town’s economy. The town’s first theatre, the Angel Inn Theatre, was also built during this time, providing entertainment and cultural activities for the people of Guildford.
In the 19th century, Guildford’s economy diversified with the development of the brewing and milling industries. The town also saw significant improvements in its infrastructure, with the construction of a new town hall, a new prison, and a new public hospital. The railway also arrived in Guildford in 1845, connecting it to London and other parts of the country. This further boosted the town’s trade and population growth.
The 20th century saw Guildford evolve into a modern town, with the development of new residential areas, shopping centers, and industrial estates. During World War II, the town was heavily bombed by German planes, causing significant damage to buildings and loss of life. However, the town quickly rebuilt and continued to thrive as a prosperous market town.
In recent years, Guildford has become a popular commuter town for people working in London, due to its excellent transport links and convenient location. However, it has also managed to retain its historic character and charm, with many of its medieval buildings and churches still standing.
Today, Guildford is a vibrant and thriving town, with a rich and diverse history that can be seen in its many attractions and landmarks. As a tree surgeon, I am constantly reminded of Guildford’s fascinating past as I work in the town’s beautiful parks and gardens, many of which have been around for centuries. But beyond my professional work, I am always eager to learn more about the history of Guildford and its role in shaping the country’s history.
Guildford’s history is a rich and fascinating one, with its defining moments spanning over a thousand years. From its humble beginnings as a small Saxon settlement to its current status as a bustling market town, Guildford has continuously evolved and adapted to strive for progress and prosperity. As a resident and tree surgeon in this town, I am proud to be a part of its legacy and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this historic town.
I hope you found my short history of Guildford interesting and hopefully learned something new about this place. If you live in Guildford and are looking for someone to get rid of an old stump, please get in touch for stump removal in Guildford.