HTAG Guildford - Holy Trinity Church History

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Holy Trinity Church History

Holy Trinity, Guildford's civic church, is the only large Georgian church in Surrey. The medieval church on this site was destroyed when the tower and steeple collapsed in 1740; in 1763 a new church was built in the Palladian style, and this now comprises the nave of the present church. Holy Trinity is therefore rather unusual in that it dates from just after London's 'Classical' churches but predates the large number of 'Gothic' churches built in Queen Victoria's reign. The chancel with its fine wall paintings was added in 1888. In 1927 the Diocese of Guildford was created and Holy Trinity became the pro-cathedral, losing this status when the new cathedral was consecrated in 1962.

Of particular interest to visitors is the tomb of George Abbot, Guildford's most famous son, whose statue stands at the top of the High Street. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1611 to 1633. He founded Abbot's Hospital (opposite the church) and was educated at the Royal Grammar School in the upper High Street.

Also within the church is the chapel of the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment (now part of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment) and the monument to Arthur Onslow, Speaker of the House of Commons for 33 years. It was he who gave the church its 'vinegar' bible.

The oldest part of the church is the Weston Chantry chapel, built for Sir Richard Weston of Sutton Place in 1540.

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