Where Is This? No.50

Published on: 26 Mar, 2013
Updated on: 26 Mar, 2013

By David Rose

Well done to all those who recognised the barn in Grange Road as last week’s mystery photo. Lots of interesting comments and facts among the replies. Click here to see last week’s post and those replies at the foot of it.

All I can add is that I reckon the barn must be the oldest building in Stoughton – I have heard it said that it may well date back to the 18th century. Shame the pond has been filled in, as Doug Staniforth could have launched a boat of some kind there. Interesting that he notes Pig Alley. It gets its name from the fact that soldiers at Stoughton Barracks (of which there was a back entrance here) were allowed to keep pigs next to the so named footpath.

And some of you may know that several sequences of the first Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant were filmed at Stoughton Barracks. The final scene, when the newly de-mobbed soldiers go off in a lorry, was filmed at the back entrance. And I think this was often the gate when those really coming to the end of their National Service at Stoughton Barracks tasted “freedom” for the first time. Young boys used to hang around this entrance in the hope of cadging some souvenirs from the chaps – perhaps a Queen’s regiment cap badge or button off a tunic.

The mystery sign can be found at the Guildford Institute. Thanks to Chris Townsend for her comments about it.

Do you know in which street this was?

This week’s mystery photo shows a bookies within a row of shops in Guildford that, at the time of the photo, was soon to be demolished (mid 1970s). The signage at first floor level is of interest and may spark your memories of the place.

We have run out of decent signs to show you, so Peter Bullen of Onslow Village has kindly supplied a number of photos of sculptures in and around Guildford. You may be surprised at just how much public art there is on show around the town.

So, do you know where this is, and can you add any facts?

Do you recognise where this sculpture is?

If you know the answers please leave a reply in the box below. All replies will be posted at about the same time next week, along with a new post with the answers to this week’s photo and mystery sign, and the next pair of images.

Responses to Where Is This? No.50

Bernard Parke Reply

March 26, 2013 at 10:24 pm

1) Onslow Street before it was decimated by the hideous gyratory system,

2)The building next to the YMCA building at lower Farnham Road.

Editor: Re you answer 2). We were looking for the location of the statue, so no Green Shield Stamps for you this week!
Brian Holt Reply

March 26, 2013 at 10:31 pm

This was Onslow Street on the right going towards Woodbridge Road and opposite the Gas Works gates.
Norman Hamshere Reply

March 26, 2013 at 10:36 pm

Babbingtons newsagents, Onslow Street.
Peter Bullen Reply

March 27, 2013 at 9:50 am

Onslow Street, opposite the old gas works site. The first floor signage was probably left from the 1930’s when G.Stevenson, hairdresser, was there.
Ray Springer Reply

March 27, 2013 at 10:25 am

Onslow Street. These buildings were demolished, presumably to make way for the Friary Shopping Centre.

The sculpture is in front of the Electric Theatre by the River at the bottom of Bridge Street
Brian Holt Reply

March 28, 2013 at 10:16 pm

The sculpture is in the car park next to the Electric Theatre, which was many years ago was the Onslow Street bus station site.
David & Ann Bailey Reply

March 29, 2013 at 6:16 pm

Picture is Onslow Street.

Modern sculpture is on the concourse of the Electric Theatre,with Stevens & Bolton building in the background.
Chris Townsend Reply

March 30, 2013 at 8:03 am

The mystery photo is of the east side of Onslow Street, opposite the former gas works site. The old sign painted on the brickwork was the only redeeming feature of that part of town.
Gay Wheeler Reply

March 30, 2013 at 1:44 pm

This photo shows the town end of Onslow Street. The Jubilee Club, The City Cafe and PJ Hi Fi were further down the parade towards Woodbridge Road. If I remember rightly there was also a butchers and scond hand shop. The scrubland in the forefront is now part of the gyratory system and the multi storey car park.
Brian West Reply

March 31, 2013 at 1:02 pm

Onslow Street – had many a bet in there.

Also, behind the shops, there was old Jubilee Club.
George Dean Reply

April 1, 2013 at 1:36 pm

This first one is Onslow Street. I was so sorry when the building was pulled down and the history of the sign lost.

Who was the barber? I never knew. I only came to Guildford in 1968.

I did use a wood shop near here when I did some DIY in my house, do others remember that shop? You could get what you wanted and not just have what was just available, as is the case now!

I think the second picture is near the Electric Theatre.
- Peter Bullen Reply
  
  April 4, 2013 at 10:01 am
  
  Peter Webb, a carpenter, had the last shop in Onslow Street next to the Friary Brewery site in the 1970s. By chance, I think I was his last customer on the day he closed down the shop probably mid to late 70s? Maybe that was the shop you remember, George?
Doug Staniforth Reply

April 2, 2013 at 3:55 pm

It’s on Onslow Street what is now part of the Friary Centre, the photo may have been taken from the site of Jackson’s Garage.
The sculpture is outside the Electric Theatre.
George Dean Reply

April 7, 2013 at 11:29 am

I would like to thank Peter Bullen. I think I do recall the name.
John Foster Reply

April 8, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Was that shop called “The little wood shop”? I often bought wood there cut to my requirements and in my case delivered to my house on his way home.