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A Message from the Town Mayor: If you are reading this guide to Godalming, you are either already here or intending to visit in the near future. Either way I extend a hearty welcome to you on behalf of the town and its people. We are delighted to receive visitors at any time of the year and you will find that there is always something to see and do in our beautiful town.

You will experience a wealth of history. The first known settlement being that of the Danes under their leader Godhelm. Even today the inhabitants are known as “Godhelmians”. A Royal Charter was granted by Elizabeth I in 1575 and confirmed by Charles II in 1666. It remained a Royal Borough for almost 400 years until local government re-organisation occurred in 1974 when it became a Town Council.

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.

The town is also famous for education, being fortunate in having Charterhouse, Godalming College and a number of other educational institutions locally based. If you are interested in famous people, then 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) are numbered amongst past residents.

There are over 350 clubs, organisations and societies that are active within the town and more energetic pursuits are catered for at Broadwater Park where angling, golf, cricket, tennis and football, or just walking to enjoy the scenic beauty may be enjoyed.

Godalming is also fortunate in having a wealth of historic buildings, many of which are to be found in the High Street. This is a protected area which is pedestrianised on Saturdays and well worth a visit for sightseeing and shopping at any time of the year.

More details of facilities and local events may be found in the following pages and I hope this introduction will lead you to explore the guide and encourage you to come and share with us the delights of our Town.

Councillor Dr John Blowers Town Mayor - 2006/2007.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photographs by: Mr Roger Browne, Mr Ron Head, Mr K R Powell & Mr John Young.