Guildford in Surrey, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Friary Square

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026

1. Friary Square Marker

Inscription. The Guildford friary was established in 1274 or early 1275 by Eleanor of Provence, widow of Henry III. The friars were Dominicans, known as Blackfriars because of their robes. They lived mainly by begging, and used their friary as a base for preaching tours in the area. It was closed down by Henry VIII in 1538, and the buildings eventually demolished. In James I's reign, a mansion house was built on the site, called The Friary, which was knocked down in 1818 to make way for industrial development. The Friary Brewery was set up in the 1860s and became a major employer in the town. However, it closed in the 1970s and was demolished to make way for the Friary shopping centre, opened in 1983. Through the centuries, the name of the friary has been preserved.

Beyond the shopping centre can be seen Rodboro Buildings. This was the first purpose-built motor factory in England, built in 1901 by Dennis Brothers. They moved to much larger works at Woodbridge in 1919 and the premises were taken over by the Rodboro Boot & Shoe Company.

Until 1969, Friary Street carried motor traffic from the High Street. It was then pedestrianised

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as part of the extensive reconstruction for the present gyratory road system. On the left hand side, two gables can be seen preserved in the modern development. These were part of the 'The Bear' public house dating from Tudor times. In the open splice the junction of Friary Street and North Street, a tank was parked in 1919. It was intended to mark Guildford's contribution to fundraising during the First World War but many former soldiers had no wish to reminded of the trenches, and the tank was out up for scrap in 1923.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1274.

Location. 51° 14.171′ N, 0° 34.577′ W. Marker is in Guildford, England, in Surrey. It is at the intersection of North Street and Friary Street, on the left when traveling east on North Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Guildford, England GU1 3EG, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

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

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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: The Town Bridge (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Stranglers (about 150 meters away); The Star Inn History (about 150 meters away); Medieval Synagogue (about 180 meters away); St. Mary's Church (about 180 meters away); Quarry Street/Rosemary Alley (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Tunsgate Arch (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Guildhall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guildford.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on July 4, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.