Events

Explore the hidden gems of Godalming

3rd November 2024, 10:45 - 12:45

Free event

Explore the hidden gems of

Godalming, GU7

Sunday 3 November 2024

Start time: 10.45 for 11.00am – Finish at 12.30pm

Join the President of Surrey Hills Society, Chris Howard, on a gentle stroll around some of the hidden gems of Godalming town. We will be walking around key sites. This is a short relatively flat walk.

The town has existed, at least since Saxon times. It is mentioned in the will of King Alfred the Great in 899. ‘Godhelms Ingus’ roughly translated as “the family of Godhelm”, and probably referred to one of the first lords of the manor. In recent years it has been ranked the UK’s third most desirable property hotspot and voted the fourth best area of the UK in which to live. It is stated that in the collection of the King of Denmark are two Pennies of Ethelred II which were coined in Godalming. The founder of the colony of Georgia, James Oglethorpe, was born in Godalming.

Godalming came to world attention in September 1881, when it became the first town in the world to have installed a public electricity supply. Floods in 1881 caused problems and in the end the town reverted to gas. Electricity returned to the town in 1904.

Godalming has an interesting memorial garden dedicated to Jack Phillips, the radio operator on the “Titanic”. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens and the landscape designer was Gertrude Jekyll – two giants of the Arts and Crafts movement for which Surrey is so famous.

Please Note: We will end the walk with an optional drink/lunch at the Jack Phillips (Wetherspoons) pub in the centre of Godalming. Dogs are welcome on the walk but not in the pub.

Meet: Godalming Railway Station. Grid ref: SU973443 Postcode for Sat Nav: GU7 1EU

Time: 10.45 am for 11.00 am prompt start and a 12.30pm finish.

The walk is relatively easy and is open to all fairly fit walkers but is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs as there may be some muddy patches. Stout foot wear is recommended and weather appropriate clothing is required.

Well behaved dogs welcome on leads. Children would be welcome but this event is not designed as a children’s event.

The cost is free but you must book your ticket by pressing the brown button below.

Deadline for booking is 1 November 2024

Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org.

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