Guildford in Surrey, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Guildhall
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026
1. Guildhall Marker
There was a medieval Guildhall on this site but the present hall dates from 1589, when Elizabeth I paid one of her visits to the town. Her coat of arms in stained glass was inserted in the window above the judges' bench. In 1683 the Guildhall was refronted, with a council chamber and balcony at first floor level. The council chamber contains a beautiful carved chalk fireplace said to have come from Stoughton Manor. Also added were a bell turret and a projecting clock. The story is told of a London clock maker, named John Aylward, who presented the clock to the Corporation in return for the freedom to trade in Guildford. A long case clock by Aylward stands in the Mayor's Parlour added to the rear of the Guildhall in 1934.
The Guildhall is still used for ceremonial meetings of the Borough Council and occasionally to hear legal cases. It houses the Borough's magnificent collection of plate which includes two maces and the mayor's badge of solid gold. Among other items are silver tankards and table decorations for civic entertainments. Historic paintings hang on the panelled walls, including a portrait by the Guildford artist John Russell of Admiral Sir Richard Onslow at his victory with Duncan over the Dutch fleet at Camperdown in 1797.
Erected by Guildford Borough.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1589.
Location. 51° 14.155′ N, 0° 34.322′ W. Marker is in Guildford, England, in Surrey. It is on High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 143 High St, Guildford, England
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tunsgate Arch (a few steps from this marker); Holy Trinity Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Trinity Church: a thousand years of Christian history (within shouting distance of this marker); Abbot's Hospital (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Holy Trinity Churchyard: a place for peace and reflection (about 90 meters away); Quakers' Acre (about 90 meters away); The Three Pigeons (about 120 meters away); a different marker also named Abbot's Hospital (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guildford.
circa 1904
2. Looking east on High Street, Guildford
Guildhall is on the left (the building with the clock projecting out over the street).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on June 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on June 27, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
