The town of Guildford in West Surrey has Saxon roots (Guldeford), traces of Bronze Age and Roman settlements have also been found in the area. Guildford was an important town in late Saxon times, being the location of the Royal Mint until early Norman times. The Normans built a castle which still overlooks the town. The church of St Mary dates from late Saxon times.
As with many places, new transport links helped the town prosper. The Wey Navigation was opened in 1653 which gave Guildford waterborne access to the Thames (and therefore London). Guildford railway station opened in 1845, the station is now on the lines between London and Portsmouth and Reading and Redhill.
Nowadays the town is an affluent commuter and university town, one of the most expensive places to buy a home outside of London!
