Guildford Pub Bombings – 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Published on: 17 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2024

The Horse and Groom pub after the bombing.

The 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings will be commemorated at a memorial service at Holy Trinity Church in the High Street just over one hundred yards from what was The Horse & Groom Pub, where five people were murdered.

Families of the victims killed or injured on October 5, 1974, have been invited to attend the church service, which will take place at 11.30am on Sunday, October 6.

The service will be conducted by the Reverend Canon Simon Butler, together with the Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity and St Mary’s Guildford.

The commemoration ceremony held on the 40th anniversary in Quaker’s Acre opposite the former Horse & Groom pub.

As part of the commemoration the Mayor of Guildford will take part in a parade from the Guildhall to the church before the start of the service. The parade will include HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, representatives of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, the Scots Guards Association, councillors, civic dignitaries, and representatives of other local organisations.

The Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, said: “Having served as an Officer in the Territorial Army for nearly 20 years and being a member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, I understand how important it is to mark the 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings.

“The 5th October 1974 is a sad day etched in the memories of those who lost loved ones or were caught up in the tragic events of that day. This commemoration will provide space to pause and remember the five young people who died, the many injured, and the courageous work of the emergency services.”