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

Holy Trinity Church: a thousand years of Christian history

Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another. Psalm 90:1

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026

1. Holy Trinity Church: a thousand years of Christian history Marker

Inscription. If you had been standing on this spot 1100 years ago, you would have been looking at an open hillside. Sometime later, in the mid-900s, before the Norman Conquest, the High Street was laid out as the main street of a planned town and divided up into plots for families. These plots are mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. One of them may have been used for the church, churchyard and rectory.

There have been three churches: a wooden Saxon building, then a stone medieval church, which collapsed in 1740, and the present Georgian church built between 1749 and 1754. It was altered in 1869, and extended in 1888.

Do come inside our Grade I listed church you will experience one of the finest Georgian buildings in the south of England. You can see a late medieval chantry chapel, the splendid Renaissance tomb of George Abbot, archbishop of Canterbury, a Georgian pulpit, a regimental chapel, Arts & Crafts decorative panels and a modern icon and embroideries.

Tower
In 2015 major conservation work was done, mainly to the roof, tower and the curved High Street steps. The clock face was restored and repainted. It was originally

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given by the Onslow family of Clandon, near Guildford. The Latin inscription beneath reminds us that the hours fly past and we will have to account for our time.

Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.

North Steps
The north steps were designed to make a grand entrance to the new church. These recently restored Portland stone steps have been witness to many stories of Guildford's past. The infamous Guy Riots from 1820 to 1868 involved the building of huge bonfires outside Holy Trinity church. George V's accession to the throne was announced here in 1910, as was Edward VIII's in 1936. Today the armed services still march past the steps on Remembrance Sunday and the steps continue to provide the focus for community celebrations such as May Day.

Decorative Railings and Gate
The gates and some of the railings were made in 1712 for the old church. Dates and initials on the railings show

Holy Trinity Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 13, 2026

2. Holy Trinity Church

when new stretches were added as changes were made. For instance, the initials GO and the date 1761 suggest that this part of the railings was given by George Onslow when he was elected Member of Parliament in 1761, presumably as a gift in thanks for his election.

The High Street steps garden is for all to enjoy. It is planted with bulbs and shrubs, many of which encourage wildlife. We are grateful to the pupils and teachers of Sandfield Primary School who helped establish the garden. Holy Trinity church is an Eco Church, which means we are committed to doing all we can to care for the environment. Our swift box on the west side of the tower, along with the churchyard and garden, is part of this national initiative.

A guide book available in the church describes the changing architecture of Holy Trinity church and its rich heritage. Alternatively, the QR code will take you directly to more information online.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 51° 14.161′ N, 0° 34.258′ W. Marker is in Guildford, England, in Surrey.

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It is on High Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 158 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 this marker: Holy Trinity Church (here, next to this marker); Abbot's Hospital (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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Tunsgate Arch (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Quakers' Acre (about 120 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 8 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.