The intention of this Guildford blog is to give you interesting and useful information about Guildford's History, the Town Centre, Guildford Leisure, The Friary, Guildford University, The Castle, The Spectrum, G'Live, Theatres, Parks, Shopping, and the Beautiful Surrounding Villages and Countryside, that offer some of the very best Living Standards anywhere in the U.K. With good Walking, Beauty Spots, and, much, much more. - "Come to Guildford We've got it all!"-
The Wey South of the Town Guildford Boat House The River Wey Guildford
The
Wey navigation managed to prosper from sixteen fifty three when it was
first opened, all the way up into the nineteen fifties. No small feat,
considering the onslaught the railways brought to the canals.
The
National Trust were bequeathed the Wey navigation by it's last owner in
nineteen sixty four, (Stevens and Son) and is now a thriving waterway
making no call on the trusts finances. One of the very few to be self
supporting in the country
The Wey Navigation was first
used for moving heavy loads in barges between Weighbridge and London to
Guildford and onto Godalming, and was the most southerly point that the
canal waterways extended in the UK at this time. Sauced at St Catherines Web
Many goods were transported, including all the usual stuff such as,
Gun Powder, wood, flower, corn, cole, and things like salt, were all
carried. The barges would chug up and down day in and day out.
Originally the barges were pulled along by Horse power alone.
In
eighteen sixteen the Wey navigation was connected to the Basingstoke
Canal via Stonebridge and the Arun Canal also became part of the network
at this time. The Basingstoke Canal was finished in seventeen ninety six
and made all this time. One hundred and sixty three years later!
Dapdune Wharf Guildford
Was the boat yard responsible for most of the barges built for the Wey navigation's. When you visit Dapdune you will find out the history of the bargeman's life on the Canal. How he and his family coped with the lack of space and other facilities. They were usually called
"River Gypsies".
You will also find a wealth of interesting facts through the use of models and displays. How the Canal was serviced and maintained. It's really interesting stuff, and I think you'll be glad we live in the twenty first century, as bad as it seems...
Some Beautiful Photography -Along the Wey Nr Guildford
"A selection of landscape photos taken by Kevin Holding, mostly of the
Wey Navigation Canal and Basingstoke Canal. Areas covered include
Byfleet, Weybridge, Pyrford, Woking and Ripley. Background music is My
Immortal By Evanesence.
Please go to www.surreyphoto.co.uk for more information and contact details. Available for weddings and all events in Surrey"
"A very nice job indeed Kevin! Fantastic Autumnal colour."
Go and find out about the Wey.
Have a Cruse, it's one of the best ways to see our beautiful unspoiled surrey countryside.
has uncommonly managed to retain a great deal of it's ancient qualities escaping most of the usual banal "Development" although easily manages to keep pace with the twenty first century. Well done Dorking!
The town is definitely on the Antiques radar, having quite a few good dealers. Well worth a look if you're into quality old stuff.
High Street, West Street plus South Street are the main shopping hubs of the town including St Martin's Walk which Copyright
is an open air market place, and can be found by turning right,
(while walking to the east) down Mill Lane and into Church Gardens.
Dorking Halls contains a cinema plus a theatre.
During the latter half of the nineteen nineties a brand new swimming pool and leisure centre were constructed.
Just down the street on the Deepdean roundabout resides a large statue of the "Dorking Cockerel". Not to every bodies satisfaction. I say let the Cock stay, if it's a distraction to "some" drivers, well, they shouldn't be driving if all it takes is a Cockerel to put them off. I mean
come on what are they talking about?
Wikipedia
Box Hill receives more than 3/4 of a million visitors a year. The views are truly panoramic, and one can see clear across the Sussex Weald to the South Downs.
So that's from the North Downs clean across to the South Downs. It's an amassing view, and well worth a visit. Wikipedia
There is a small Cafe, a gift shop and a car park plus the National Trusts visitors centre. There are several good walks in the area and a great "Family Fun Trail".
Though non of this is at the top most point. Box Hill Village actually stand higher up at an altitude of seven hundred and thirty five ft. Good grief they're virtually Sherpa's :-)
As you probably know the twenty twelve Olympic cycle race wrought will pass over the Box Hill beauty spot. Be there or be square.
The idyllic Village of Shere is situated in the Tillingborne Vally around six miles from Guildford, and is nestled amid the surrey hills boasting many Oak Framed houses and shops, built from ships timbers, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century.
There are two public houses, "The William Bray" originally called "Cook's Beer
House". The beer they sold back in eighteen seventeen was delivered by the now defunct
Gomshall Brewery.
The White Horse originally called "Cripps" is now the quintessential Oak
Framed public house. Records show, that it was in use rite back to the
fifteen hundreds. "Cripps" became a public house in the mid seventeenth
century and I can personally recommend the restaurant. I've dined on
venison there, and I can honestly say "I've never had better."
There's also been a church in Shere since around the year seven fifty, and stood at the same spot that the Church of St James resides to this day. "That's old!"
To days version of St James was erected in eleven ninety. Eight hundred years old as it stands today! Wow, that's something, they don't do them like that these days.
The Tillingborn Stream/River Runs through Shere*,
"Hold on you know I don't really know at what point a Stream becomes a River? Well they say "A large natural stream is a River" hum that's not very helpful.
On the other hand a Stream's a bit more concise... "A stream is a body of water with a current, confined within a bed and stream banks." Not that helpful either...
O' well any how, were talking about the "The Tillingborn" so what's a "Born"? without boring you too much with my ignorance, I recon a born has to be something between a Stream and a "River". LOL :-) I'm still confused. So."
Continuing on: and* you will usually find Ducks and various other aquatic fowl along the streams course.
On the left you can see a pick of the road bridge, it's opposite St James.
Shere also once boasted a Blacksmiths forge. As did most villages of any reasonable size. They had too, I mean, who's going to fix the farmers plough and shears.
As of to day, the old Fire Station of eighteen eighty six has been subtly revamped as a public convenience.
There are also Tea rooms and various interesting shops. Shere is definitely an outstanding old village and definitely worth a visit. It's just a stones through from Guildford.
If you don't already know the best way to find the Castle from the station: go out of the main entrance and turn right, cross over walnut tree close it's on your left, after crossing turn right, and then left down bridge street.
Cross over towards the Friary Centre and skirt around to the right. Cross over at the bottom of North Street and on through Friary Street. (Pedestrian only?) At the end:
Turn left up the cobbled High Street, 3/4 the way up you'll see Tunsgate.
Opposite the old town hall/court house, it's where the town clock is.
Turn right through Tunsgate where you will find the castle entrance at the end of the street.
The Keep is just across the road to the right.
Go and have a look when you're next in town, have a peek at the gardens and the bandstand while you're there.
It's a great place to have a rest from all that shopping. "It's Beautiful and Peace-full" and great for a picnic :-)
Guildford Castle ITV Meridian 10/8/99
Some of the Castles History
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 (And we all know that!) was fought at a place near Hastings called "Battle" By William the "Conqueror".
After
the Battle, William's troops pushed onto Canterbury, sacking the towns
down along the Pilgrims Way, this included our lovely Guildford. Some time after all this he constructed a Mott and bailey in Guildford.
Hey, I'm glad he did, it's a lovely place, with lovely gardens, and loads of interesting history.
So go and see our enchanted Castle, as most of us Guildford people do from time to time.
Join the crowd that knows a good thing when they see it.
"The Dogie Danes"
The Danes continued to be a threat during this period, attacking the east coast in many towns and villages. They also pillaged and raped dozens of towns and villages far away from the coast, threatening just about everyone and everything in their path. Not very nice people back in the day.
I'm assuming Guildford's Castle was used as a stronghold, enabling troops and men to be directed to many of the threatened towns and villages. This is what I'm told, if you know better, please let me know :-)
The First Part of a Castle be Constructed
Would certainly be the Mott. (a small hill, a mound / high ground)
What they'd do is, they'd dig a ditch, pile the earth up on the inside to construct a Mott, and then they'd construct a Bailey which would in turn be made safe with a Palisade, constructed from wood in the early days.
So Exactly What is a Bailie?
A Bailie is an enclosed courtyard, usually surrounded by a wooden fencing, and were called palisades, and would be overlooked by the Mott.
The Bailie
Most usually used as the living area for servants who serviced the lord and or the farmers etc. There would also be a miller a blacksmith, and most of the important craftsmen of the time.
The Boundary for Our Bailey
would have cut along by Castle Street and South Hill, It is now called Racks Close.
A tall gate house constructed from wood would be used as a watchtower for protection of the troops stationed there.
In the early 1100s
a chalk wall was constructed, surrounding the Mott as an extra protection.
Then some time later in1130 the Keep was completed. constructed from chalk quarried from Godalming.
(A tower stronghold containing an Amery and stocks of vital day to day stuff, in case Mr Knob from Nob Hill tried anything on...)
Guildfords Keep
consisted of a floor at ground level plus a first floor with an entrance at this level, probably as an aid to defense. The most likely use of the first floor was probably as the Kings lodgings.
At the first floor
there was the large main chamber, consisting of a place of worship, with a wardrobe plus a latrine.
Another floor was constructed some time shortly after this and it contained a... "dual-seater latrine"!
Wow! I bet they sat there "kicking up a stink" arguing, reading up their important papers and swapping "good ideas..."
During the Twelfth Century
the important
Bailie buildings would have been completed, including the Kings and
the Queens residents, plus two chapels and the Hall. They had it all. The rest of the town would be living in what amounted to "Mud Huts"
The roof
was constructed of lead, the inside walls were finished in plaster and then covered in whitewash. Pretty posh for then I'd say.
The Sheriffs headquarters residedin the Tower
Surrey county jail, including Sussex jail was moved during the twelfth century to the tower,
well if you can keep them out you can keep them in. Then it became the sheriff's headquarters. The Kings apartments were then moved to the Bailey, being a more suitable position.
The great hall and Quarry Street Gate, is believed to have been situated inside under the chalk arch at the spot where the these two houses behind the the museum in quarry street reside.
(See the print here on the right )
at the bottom of Castle Hill now, stand and the hall was constructed in stone.
Henry the Third
completed many quality upgrades during the thirteenth century, and was now rightly given status as a Palace.
At the same time the Queen's lodgings,
were revamped including bigger windows plus two beautiful marble columns.
The great hall,
decorated with works of art, stained glass windows and probably fine tapestry's. Imagine it, Warm dappled light from the windows, soft bright tones inflected on the floor.
The smell of Apple log fires, crackling, and may be something like Incense, Wafting all around the place...
Yep that sounds good to me.
Honestly, it was news to me, that we had an "Opulent Palace" rite here in town. I can't believe how much I don't know about our lovely town... Any how, on ward and up ward.
King Henry's,
apartment was finished with silver and gold stars on a green background, can you imagine that? The Kings room Probably had large coloured windows too. Warm dappled light, silver and gold stars on a green background...
Sounds a bit psychedelic to me.
I wondered, did they have a drugs problem back in the day? I reckon he must have been suffering from a dose of ergot trip when he decided the colour scheme...
Ergot comes from the mould that grows on bread, and apparently gives a similar effect as LSD. That probably accounts for all the mad profits of the day then.
The King placed many magnificent columns of marble, surrounding a beautiful garden.
Sounds pretty good to me. I'll have some of that!
There Was a Nasty fire,
that gutted the hall in twelve fifty four. Not so good, but the upgrading and building works were taking place at a pace.
Henry bought more land,
in twelve fifty four and enlarged the Bailey enabling him to construct a sweet of rooms for his son Edward The work was finished in around twelve forty six.
The Quarry Street Gate,
was finished by twelve fifty six. Suggesting Henry made some changes to the castle.
It seems there is no trace of the original gate, as no remains have been found.
(Tho rumor has it situated behind Tunsgate in it's original position nearer the castle, though the facts are a bit sketchy and hard to come by.)
Our little gem
Though now a residence was still important in the the protection of the realm, and still a place used for gathering troops in support of Edward and his foreign wars.
Although Guildford Castle was never under any kind of attack, it was still very much a stronghold.
"Rebellion of the Barons"
Guildford was allied to the barons rebelling against King John's rule.You know, Robin Hood and all that. Though during the Simon de Montfort rebellion, Guildford saw no action.
They seem to had a pretty good old time of it at the Castle. Sound like a job for me :-)
Henry III's son
Edwards troops did capture the rebel named Adam Gurdon in a skirmish at Alton though. There you go, they did do some important work after all.
Gurdon was taken to Guildford Castle... (Jaws Music) I wander what happened to him then?
I don't think it could have been very good. Nasty dark damp cell, bread and water only, and a damned good spanking to go with it. Hum, not a spot for me.
Castles like Guildford situated Inland
were of no great importance by the fourteenth century, and the resulted was it fell into disrepair. Just about all of the Castle had crumbled by thirteen seventy nine with the exception of the "King's great chamber".
It was still in a sorry state until our local council got around to fixing it up. Well, they've made a good job of it, so all is forgiven :-)
Guildford's Great Tower
In twelve forty seven the sheriff's building was placed by the tower, and was probably constructed from timber. The tower continued to be the county jail for Surrey and Sussex though:
In the Sixteenth Century,
the tower jail was relocated to Southwark. At this point John Daborne became keeper of the gardens, in fifteen forty four he became Mayor of Guildford and in fifteen twenty three,
and again in fifteen twenty eight.
Who was he paying? Or was he a good chap? I don't know.
The Daborne family was part of the Castles history up until the sixteenth century, and it's thought that the brick windows and fireplaces were part of their contribution .
In sixteen eleven,
the estate was given to Francis Carter by James the first. Wish I knew the King. I doubt
Queen Liz would give an estate away, not even too some well connected and appreciated bod.
All they do these days is, rest that sward on each shoulder and say,: Arise Sir Pat.
Lol! Still, they don't chop heads off any more.
Sixteen thirty
The roof of the tower was removed in sixteen thirty.
Some parts of the castle grounds were used for farming and leased out to local bods.
Lord Grantley of Wonersh
owner of the larger portion of Guildford Castle soled his share to the Guildford Corporation in eighteen eighty five.
The walls and the tower were renovated in 1888 and given over to public use as.
In Two Thousand and Three / Four
the keep was renovated revealing crenellations and other important original features.
A new roof plus the first floor were re-built. The rest of the Castle was completed in twenty eleven. Nice job Guildford!
Now Open From April to September Every Year So we can again visit the tower and view some pretty interesting exhibits re the history of the Castle plus some of the walls and rooms up close and personal, all for a small fee.
At the top of the tower
Reaching the top of the tower is a via an original stone spiral staircase, you will see some lovely views over the grounds and some parts of Guildford.
The old chalk gatehouse (A Norman Arch)
is a part of Guildford's Museum, housing interesting Archeology and local history including a truly outstanding collection of needlework.
That concludes today's little chat on history :-)
Now for a little light entertainment. Some very old Modern magic. Mr Oon Visits Tunsgate. (Feng Sui Video)
Well Mr Oon, there's a lot in Feng Shui. Natural balance is always going to be important...
Nice Video. The view in the video above is the back side of the picture below. ( Tunsgate )
In The High Street.
Tunsgate
was "moved from it's original site. I believe", and now resides 3/4 the way up the lower high street too the right.
Help
Dose anyone have any extra info on this?
Hey, but wait, while we're in Tonsgate, Visit Ben's Collectors Records
Give Ben A call, you'd be surprised at what he's got there. + (44) 1483-301165
Nice one Ben.
Is there anything else we could use the Castle grounds for? What can we do for Guildfords
"Big Society?"
