GUILDFORD, a market t., and parliamentary and municipal borough of England, capital of the county of Surrey, is situated in a depression in the North Downs, on the navigable river Wey, 30 in. s.w. of London. Here the Reading and Reigate branch of the South-Eastern railway crosses the direct Portsmouth line. The town consists mainly of one street, running along the steep e. side of the Wey, crossed here by an old bridge of four arches, and is distinguished by a remarkable air of order and Cleanliness. Its streets are rich in quaint old gables, overhanging paneled fronts, and long latticed win dows. The chief buildings are the castle, a hue ruin, in the early Norman style; arch bishop Abbot's hospital, in which reside a master, 12 brothers, and 8 sisters; the church of the Holy Trinity, with several memorable monuments; St. Mary's, an interesting specimen of the transition style, and one of the oldest and most remarkable churches in the county; the grammar school founded by Edward VI. • the town hall; and the
corn-market. A county hall and assize court was erected in 1862, and a county hospital in 1S63-1866. Guild foid is now chiefly famous for its grain-market, the " Surrey wheats" being celebrated. It has paper, powder, and corn mills; breweries, brick-fields, coach works, and two iron-foundries. Guildford now returns one member to parliament, instead of two, as formerly. Pop. '71, 9,801.
This ancient town is first mentioned by name in the will of Alfred the great. who bequeaths it to Ethelwald his nephew. In the time of the confessor, the town and manor were included among the demesnes of the kings of England. Henry II., John, and Henry III. frequently resided here.