A Message from the Town Mayor: I extend a warm
welcome to you on behalf of our town. Godalming is delighted to
receive visitors at any time of the year and you will find that
there is always something to see and to do in our beautiful town.
Godalming has a long history, the first known settlement being that
of the Danes under their leader Godhelm. A Royal Charter was granted
by Elizabeth I in 1575 and confirmed by Charles II in 1666. Godalming
remained a Royal Borough until the local government re-organisation
in 1974.
The wealth of the town was derived primarily from wool products
and its general prosperity was much enhanced through the Wey Navigation,
which improved transport of products from the town to London and
ports along the south coast. The Wey celebrated its 350th year of
opening in 2003.
Godalming's historic figures include Jack Phillips (radio operator
of the ill-fated Titanic), Gertrude Jekyll (world-renowned artist,
gardener and craftswoman), James Oglethorpe (soldier, politician
and founder of the Colony of Georgia, USA) and Julius Caesar (a
famous England cricketer of days gone by). You can learn about these
people and so much more about our local history in the excellent
museum located opposite the Pepperpot.
Godalming has a wealth of historic buildings, many of which are
to be found in the High Street, which is closed to cars on Saturdays
for the convenience of pedestrians. Godalming is well worth a visit
for sightseeing and shopping at any time of the year.
Godalming hosts over 350 clubs, organisations and societies. More
energetic pursuits such as angling, golf, cricket, tennis, swimming
and football are catered for at Broadwater Park or perhaps you might
just stroll around the lake to enjoy the beautiful environment.
Our Town is twinned with Joigny in France and Mayen in Germany and
we share and enjoy many cultural exchanges with these two delightful
Towns, which are twinned with each other, too. We are also linked
in friendship with Georgia, USA. So much for Godalming's past and
present. We have a future together as well.
There are plans afoot to make Godalming a plastic bag free Town
and we are also working towards Fair Trade status.
More details of our facilities and local events may be found in
the following pages. I hope that this introduction will entice you
to explore this Guide further and encourage you to come and share
with us the delights of our Town.
Councillor Dr Paul Rivers
Town Mayor - 2008/2009
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