Prayers, Plots and Poisons – New Encounter Walk By Guildford Town Guides

Published on: 23 Jul, 2022
Updated on: 22 Jul, 2022

George Abbot is most remembered in Guildford for Abbot’s Hospital, the magnificent almshouse, which he founded, that is still fulfilling its original purpose 400 years later.

Less well known is the significant role that Abbot played during a turbulent period in English history.

George Abbot.

This is the focus of a new walk by the award-winning Guildford Town Guides taking place at 2.30pm on Friday, August 5 and Wednesday August 10.

One of the puzzles is how did George Abbot move from his position as an Oxford academic to an appointment as head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury?

King James I.

Which of these reasons do you think was given by King James I for choosing George as the new Archbishop of Canterbury:

Because of a deathbed request by the King’s friend and confidant, George Hume, the Earl of Dunbar?

Because George Abbot was an expert hunter, a sport which King James also enjoyed?

Because George Abbot had worked hard on the new English translation of the bible, the King James Authorised Version?

The answer will be given in The Guildford Dragon NEWS next week.

If you want to discover more about Abbot and his fascinating life, including visits to the Royal Grammar School and Abbot’s Hospital, join this free guided walk. To book a place, go to www.guildfordwalks.org.uk and click on the booking link.