Guildford is the county town of Surrey and sits on the river Wey. It’s known for its historic cobbled High Street and its famous 17th century Guildhall clock. The town also boasts a Norman castle with panoramic views of the area. The grounds at Guildford Castle opened as public gardens in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 and are free to visit – there is a modest charge to go inside the castle. On the outskirts of Guildford is a modern cathedral which dominates the town’s skyline. The Waterstones is located in the main High Street, and was formerly a Dillon’s bookshop before the entire Dillon’s brand was renamed Waterstones after being taken over by the then owner of Waterstones, HMV in 1998.
Lewis Carroll’s and Guildford
Charles Dodgson, who as Lewis Carroll created the ‘Alice’ books, was a frequent visitor to the town where his sisters lived, and the park located near the former family home, The Chestnuts, is the site of a statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass which is by the sculptor Jeanne Argent and was unveiled in 1990. At the bottom of the town is a second Alice statue. This one is from 1984 is called Alice and the White Rabbit, and is by local sculptor Edwin Russell. It is based on the opening scene from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland when Alice spies the White Rabbit. Lewis Carroll died in January 1898 whilst visiting his sisters and is buried at Mount Cemetery in the town.
Guildford Castle
The Guildford Clock
Various photos from Guildford
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Janet's Adventures in Waterstones 