Guildford in Surrey, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Holy Trinity Churchyard: a place for peace and reflection
... for the place where you stand is holy ground. Exodus 3:5
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026
1. Holy Trinity Churchyard Marker
At the south-west corner of the church you can see the Weston Chapel with its chequer-board pattern of flint and freestone squares. It is the only surviving part of the medieval church and was built as a private chantry chapel by Sir Richard Weston of Sutton Place, near Guildford, who was buried here in 1541. He served both Henry VII and Henry VIII.
Former Rectory
The timber-framed cottages at the top of the churchyard were the rectory before 1417. In that year a new wing (now the Royal Oak) was added. In 1715 the rector of St Mary's in Quarry Street was given responsibility for Holy Trinity church as well and so this rectory was no longer needed.
Memorials and Gravestones
The earliest date we have for any of the gravestones or memorials is 1709, though some may be older. Many have interesting stories connected with them.
The Warrior Angel, for example, is a memorial to Major Geoffrey Brooke Parnell, who died in 1916 at the Battle of the Somme.
this page online
Churchyard wildlife and conservation
The mound in the middle is the earth excavated when the east end of the church was extended in 1888. As consecrated ground, it had to remain here.
Holy Trinity church is part of the national Eco Church project, which covers all areas of church life - worship and teaching; management of church buildings and land; community and global engagement; and lifestyle. Our congregation is committed to protecting and restoring the natural world, as part of our responsibility for caring for all creation and as a demonstration of the Christian hope for God's world.
As one part of this project we encourage wildlife by planting wildflowers and bulbs and by leaving areas of uncut grass to attract insects, moths and birds. We also have a 'bug hotel' in the churchyard.
A guide book describing some of the memorials is available in the church. Alternatively,
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026
2. The Warrior Angel grave marker
The churchyard is an oasis of quiet and enjoyment for the community in the middle of our busy town. We hope you enjoy it.
The Bright Field
I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the
pearl of great price, the one field that had
treasure in it. I realise now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
R.S. Thomas
With grateful thanks to Macmillan Publishers for permission to reproduce this work.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites.
Location. 51° 14.137′ N, 0° 34.241′ W. Marker is in Guildford, England, in Surrey. It is on Trinity Churchyard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 Trinity Churchyard, Guildford, England GU1 4AP, 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 this marker: Holy Trinity Church: a thousand years of Christian history (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Trinity Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Abbot's Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Abbot's Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); The Three Pigeons (within shouting distance of this marker); Tunsgate Arch (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Guildhall (about 90 meters away); Henry Peak (1831-1914) (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guildford.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
