Regency
Guilford was "most delightfully situated in a most healthy air"
on the side of a hill of chalk. The town was a corporation by 'prescription',
had an elegant town hall and council chamber, and its privileges had
been extended via several charters. The Mayor and "Approved Men"
of Guildford assembled and held court every three weeks. The three main
parish churches were Trinity, St Mary's and St Nicholas. Trinity fell
down in 1740 during repair work on the steeple and bells; it was rebuilt
in brick.
At
the upper end of High Street were the remains of an ancient structure
called "The Spytle, of Hospital of St John". It was supposed
to have been once the residence of some chantry priests, and was also
a manor house. During the Regency period it was let out as a nursery.
Guilford had several other notable buildings, an ancient Gothic structure
called the Friary which belonged to the Earl of Onslow and which was
often used for public feasts and occasions; the Grammar School, an elegant
structure also in the Gothic style; a Hall for the county assizes and
adjoining Playhouse, both of which were built in 1789; and there was
a fine circular race course for horse racing.
Guilford
was a popular spot for both travellers continuing their destination
through to Chichester, Portsmouth and Southampton and those who appreciated
the elegance and comforts of the town. It had a good market on Saturdays
and three considerable fairs annually, on 4th May, 2nd October and 22nd
November.
