Nostalgic memories of Guildford's local history
Share your own memories of Guildford and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 51 - 60 of 65 in total
This place has not changed in nearly 100 years. I lived here for 15 years. The houses were originally built for Billings (the printers) workers All of the houses had an equal share in the green at the front, there was a committee and we all paid subs. We used to have a man who cared for the shared area called Mr Percy Lemon. We used to close the gates at both ends to stop cars from driving in when the children were playing on the green.
I think that the "Tree Tops" kennels may now be on this site and that is where we brought our black lab "shep" from
My nan and mum used to work in the Guildford Dolls Hospital which would have been on the right just beyond the white building. As the name suggests they would make your doll better if she was ill and also sold many other toys - one of my favourite memories
The man in this photograph is quite possibly my Great-Grandfather. The family name is 'Wye' and he was the lock keeper at St. Catherines lock during the late 1800's early 1900's the family lived in the lock keepers cottage on the River Wey, where they ran a little tuck shop on the river bank. He also operated a punt (known as the St. Catherines ferry) to take people across the river to the golden sands at St. ...see more
Contrary to other "memories" this was (and is) the boys' Grammar school in Guildford. I was there between 1974 and 1981 - least said soonest mended! The new school building on the opposite side of the High Street was added in the 1960s.
With the help of Brian Faulkner of newspaperdetectives, I have been able to identify the building on the left as the old Red Lion Inn. The Inn fronts on High Street, and Market, formerly Red Lion Gate, is the one running away from the camera. My ggg-grandfather, William Charles Graygoose, was the proprietor till he sold the inn in 1872 and moved to Lambeth. Brian Faulkner has uncovered some interesting articles in ...see more
Mom did take me to Guildford and the surrounding area a few times in the mid 60's and late 60's. I was quite young....she went from here to Horsham school. Horsham school I can find nothing on. Do you know where I can find them? In the year 2000 I was in England and wanted to go back to Guildford but I had no way to get there - well, I did but didn't use all that was available. I was told that nothing was there anymore.
Both my mother and my uncle were born at my nan's house in Quarry Street. My mother was born there on 11th February 1927. My uncle was born there fourteen months prior to my mother. My nan had nine children, seven sons then two girls. I remember my great gran lived quite close. I myself was born at Grange Road, Stouton in 1947. One of my memories of Guildford was a place called the Mount, where my uncle Peter is buried. I remember that hill so well.
I remember going with my nan to see her sister Maud Chennell who used to live in Castle Street. I remember it as being a very small house. I remember my great aunt had a musical box shaped like a swiss cabin. I used to love to play with it. And eating the finger style trifle sponges. I would love to know if those little houses are still there?
Working for Thomas Wallis seen here on the left, it was a large department store selling all household goods, from tea towels to carpets and furniture. Oh how I loved my job. In those days the shops used to shut Wednesday afternoons and I wanted to stay there I loved it so much. My Mum, "Collie" as she was known, was in charge of the female staff there and it was a privilege to work there with her, she is 82 now. I ...see more
