Learn About Guildford’s Rich History, Including the 20th Century

Published on: 21 Nov, 2025
Updated on: 23 Nov, 2025

By Nicholas Bale

leader of the Guildford Town Guides

Guildford, and daily life in the town, has changed enormously in the last century. The Guildford Town Guides have therefore decided to introduce the 20th century as a new topic in the History of Guildford course.

It is not just the historic events which are important, but also the social and economic undercurrents that affected our lives and the lives of our families.

This course, which has been popular with history enthusiasts for many years, will run on Thursday mornings from January 8 to April 23, 2026 (excluding school holidays).

The History of Guildford course has been popular with history enthusiasts for many years.

This course is run by the Guildford Town Guides in collaboration with Guildford Borough Council’s Heritage Service.

There are 13 classes, covering the most interesting aspects of Guildford’s history since its establishment as a significant town in Saxon times.

Guildford High Street in the 18h century.

The classes are based on the course created by Matthew Alexander, former Curator of Guildford Museum.

David Rose who is an authority on Guildford during the two world wars will give the lecture on Guildford during the Second World War, illustrated with plenty of vintage images.

Dads’ Army: Second World War Home Guard platoon from Onslow Village.

Other lectures will be given by members of the Guildford Town Guides.

The classroom lectures will normally be followed by a visit to a historic location in the town centre. As a result, the sessions may take up to two and a half hours, from 10am to 12.30 pm.

The course information leaflet is available on the History of Guildford page of the Guildford Town Guides website and at the Guildford Tourist Information Centre.

Martin Giles, editor of The Guildford Dragon NEWS said: “I attended several of these courses run by Matthew Alexander. They were extremely interesting.

“I know the very knowledgeable Nicholas Bale and David Rose will maintain Matthew’s informal and sociable style and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone who wants to learn more of our town’s history.”

The cost of the course is £95. To register for the course, go to the Guildford Town Guides page on Eventbrite.

Places are limited so please book now to avoid disappointment.