Guildford Blackfriars

Has been described as a Certain Palace (Royal)

There are no visible remains

NameGuildford Blackfriars
Alternative Names
Historic CountrySurrey
Modern AuthoritySurrey
1974 AuthoritySurrey
Civil ParishGuildford

A Dominican Friary established in C13 and dissolved in 1538. Henry VIII constructed a hunting lodge within its precincts. Following the dissolution the King converted the friary into a dwelling to use as an occasional royal resort. Excavations in 1973-1978 revealed that the site was subsequently used as a garden. The site was cleared and a house was constructed circa 1630 by Inigo Jones. This was later converted into barracks in 1794 and demolished in 1818. Much of the site is now occupied by Friary Brewery. The excavations had produced quantities of C14 and C15 pottery and recognised the extent of the friary complex. The claustral complex lay to the North of the church. The church was a simple plan of chancel, and nave with South aisle. The East range contained the chapter house and sacristy, the North range the kitchen. The West range, of which only the East wall and some flooring remained, probably contained the guest house and dormitory. (PastScape)

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSU994495
Latitude51.2360916137695
Longitude-0.576539993286133
Eastings499460
Northings149580
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Thurley, Simon, 1993, The Royal Palaces of Tudor England (Yale University Press) p. 50, 56-7, 79
  • Poulton, Rob, Woods, Humphrey et al, 1984, Excavations on the site of the Dominican Friary at Guildford in 1974 and 1978 (Research volumes of the Surrey Archaeological Society No. 9)
  • Colvin, H.M., Ransome, D.R. and Summerson, John, 1982, The history of the King's Works, Vol. 4: 1485-1660 (part 2) (London) p. 123-4
  • Clinch and Montgomerie, 1911, Malden, H.E. (ed), VCH Surrey Vol. 3 p. 554 online transcription
  • Malden, H.E., 1905, 'Friaries: Dominican Friars of Guildford' VCH Surrey Vol. 2 p. 114-6 online transcription

Antiquarian

Journals

  • Crocker, Alan, 2003, 'An analysis of accounts for repairs to buildings in the royal park of Guildford in 1514 ' Surrey Archaeological Collections Vol. 90 p. 211-232 online copy
  • 1975, 'Medieval Britain in 1974' Medieval Archaeology Vol. 19 p. 236 online copy

Other

  • Surrey County Council, 2006, Extensive Urban Survey - Surrey (English Heritage) Download copy