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

Abbot's Hospital

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026

1. Abbot's Hospital Marker

Inscription. George Abbot, born in Guildford, became Archbishop of Canterbury, and founded this almshouse in 1619.

For around 400 years it has given homes to local residents aged over 60 and of modest means.

When the doors are open, do look from the archway at this fine building, still serving the purpose for which it was built so long ago.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1619.

Location. 51° 14.17′ N, 0° 34.253′ W. Marker is in Guildford, England, in Surrey. It is on High Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 161 High Street, Guildford, England GU1 3AJ, 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 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

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this marker: Holy Trinity Church: a thousand years of Christian history (a few steps from this marker); Holy Trinity Church (a few steps from this marker); The Three Pigeons (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Abbot's Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Trinity Churchyard: a place for peace and reflection (within shouting distance of this marker); Guildhall (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Tunsgate Arch (about 90 meters away); Quakers' Acre (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guildford.

Also see . . . Welcome to Abbot's Hospital (Abbot’s Hospital). The URL provided on the marker leads to this page. Excerpt:

Founded in 1619 by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury as a gift "out of my love to the place of my birth", it was not Abbot's intention to provide a "hospital" in the modern sense of the word but a place of shelter for the elderly poor of the town. 12 single men and 8 single women lived under the care of a resident Master.

400 years after the first residents moved in, Abbot's Hospital continues to offer
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026

2. Abbot's Hospital and marker
town centre accommodation within a sociable and supportive environment for local elderly people.

A magnificent Jacobean building listed Grade 1, Abbot's Hospital is opposite Holy Trinity Church where George Abbot is buried and is just yards away from Abbot's memorial statue at the junction of Upper High Street.

(Submitted on November 9, 2026.)

Guildford, Abbot's Hospital image. Click for full size.

circa 1910

3. Guildford, Abbot's Hospital

Abbot's Hospital, Dining Hall image. Click for full size.

circa 1910

4. Abbot's Hospital, Dining Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 9, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on November 9, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.