Panel Of Experts Show Their Knowledge At Guildford History Question Time

Published on: 14 Oct, 2019
Updated on: 14 Oct, 2019

Local history was put into sharp focus at a question time evening hosted by the Guildford Institute on Friday evening (October 11).

Held at St Nicolas Church Hall, about 40 people enjoyed listening to a panel of local history experts answer questions posed by the audience.

The panel at the Guildford History Question Time. From left: Mary Alexander, David Calow, chairman David Rose, Matthew Alexander and Carol Brown.

Chaired by local historian and writer David Rose, the panel comprised of former Guildford Museum curator and the borough’s current honorary remembrancer, Matthew Alexander; David Calow from the Surrey Archaeological Society; former collections officer at Guildford Museum and historian, Mary Alexander; and local and military historian Carol Brown.

Questions ranged from: what do we know about Guildford in the Roman period? Did lots of shops close in Guildford in years gone by or is it just a modern thing? Was there any localised recruitment in the First World War like the pals battalions in the northern cities? And, which person in Guildford’s history would you like to meet and why?

Matthew Alexander was keen to go first in answering a question about the alleged tunnels under the town centre, and what was Broomstick Hall? – a lodging house that stood in Castle Street.

In answer to what is Guildford’s oldest surviving pub? there were a number of suggestions given by the panel, most likely it being the Star Inn in Quarry Street.

And on the topic of Roman coins recovered from the archaeological dig at Wanborough, David Calow gave a detailed answer.

The manger of the Guildford Institute, Amy Rice, and its events and membership assistant, Amy Mason, in thanking the panel, said to them: “We hope you enjoyed the evening as we certainly did. We think the format really worked and the flow of conversation was great.

“We really appreciated David co-ordinating all the questions so carefully and for all of your great knowledge in offering some fascinating responses.”

David Rose said: “It was a lovely evening, full of fun. We certainly enjoyed it. I’m pleased we got through all the questions that were asked. And at the end I jokingly said: “In the words of Fiona Bruce of BBC TV’s Question Time – next week we will be in Ispwich!

“I sincerely hope we have the chance to hold another Guildford Question Time in conjunction with the Guildford Institute.”

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