The Parish of Godalming

Godalming Parish comprises both urban and rural areas. Its history can be found reflected in its buildings, streets and parks.

At the time of Domesday Book, Godalming had long been established. Part of Godalming Hundred and with its own reeve and 100 court, this village would have seen an active existence within Domesday’s records.

History

From the middle ages through to the 18th century, Godalming was renowned as an important centre for cloth and stocking manufacturing, serving both Guildford and London via stagecoaches. Godalming’s busy town center made good use of inns – some even hosting Tsar Peter the Great himself!

The church dates back to the 9th Century and features a Saxon font dating from 820-840 AD. Situated above a park and water meadows, its exquisite setting has made it popular as the location for film and TV productions.

There is much history to discover within and around a church, making it particularly helpful when researching Surrey ancestry. A variety of records such as parish registers and transcripts as well as census records can be found online.

Domesday Book recorded in 1086 that Godalming belonged to West Saxon king Alfred the Great; however, it was given over to his nephew AEthelwold; son of Alfred’s elder brother Thelred.

Godalming rapidly expanded during the 19th Century as a market town and urban district. At first its administration centre was located at Market House (later Pepperpot), then later at Town Hall on Bridge Street; finally it moved to Town Hall on Bridge Street after 1889 when Anglo-Saxon hundred systems ended and Godalming and neighbouring parishes which formed part of Farnham Hundred became districts under Surrey County Council.

St Peter & St Paul’s Church

Godalming’s Church of St Peter & St Paul stands out as an eye-catching and fine building, boasting its dramatic spire, exquisite craftsmanship and impressive carvings that add visual interest. Historic and architectural significance all combine in making this church of special historical and architectural value.

Godalming Parish covers an area extending 6 miles north-south and 4 miles east-west, and encompasses both Godalming town as well as Catteshull, Farnworth Guildford Henley Worplesdon villages. The parish church is dedicated to two apostles of Jesus – Peter and Paul, commemorated with stained glass windows bearing their names.

This church features an exquisite interior with a high pulpit and organ. Ten pillars hold up its roof made entirely from tree trunks from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – supporting it without using metal materials – with nine bell chimes installed in its tower.

Church was the starting point for Saint Vincent de Paul work in Detroit and for its inaugural orphanage in the Diocese of Detroit. Fr Ferdinand Weinman SJ, its inaugural Jesuit pastor, learned Italian and reached out to the community by walking around ringing handbells and telling Gospel stories to children. Additionally, he established a settlement house for immigrant youth of Woodbridge near Rivard in Francis Palms’ barn that provided recreation, library services and religious instruction.

Nightingale & Eashing Cemeteries

At St Peter & St Paul Churchyard was becoming full by mid 19th Century and in 1854 a Committee was created (Godalming Church Vestry later transformed to Godalming Joint Burial Committee) to develop a new cemetery. Nightingale Lane Cemetery opened for burials on 1 November 1857; since then many improvements have been made both Nightingale Lane Cemetery as well as Eashing Cemetery thanks to efforts of Godalming Joint Burial Committee – these cemeteries welcome people of all faiths or none!

Two War Graves can be found within the churchyard, including that of John George Phillips who served on board Titanic and is remembered by a memorial plaque both there and at Godalming Maritime Museum.

An important World War I memorial is the grave of one of the ‘Old Contemptibles’ – those who served in Kitchener’s BEF before being mobilised under Kitchener on 5 August 1914 and known by Kaiser Wilhelm II’s dismissive remarks that British Army was nothing more than a contemptible little army.

The Rector will be more than pleased to offer prayers or conduct wreath laying services at either cemetery, and can provide burial records from either location.

Prayers & Wreath Laying

Church is a warm and inviting space where you can come to reflect or visit with friends and family. Our Rector would be more than pleased to pray for anyone you wish, as well as organise wreath-laying services (donations appreciated).

Godalming has two civil parishes – Godalming Town and Rural – with one Church of England church serving both, the Church of St Peter and St Paul dating from early 14th century. There is an old bell made by William Aymer for Godalming Towne in 1584 with an inscription reading: This bell was cast by William Aymer for Godalming Town in 1584.” In addition, there are remains of Owen Manning (Canon of Lincoln and co-author of Manning and Bray’s History of Surrey who died 1801); fine silver patens dating from 1685 and 1722 along with an alms basin bearing his name from 1722!

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Godalming Town Council has had to cancel this year’s Remembrance Sunday parade and act of remembrance at the War Memorial. Instead, an alternative service and act of remembrance will take place at Holy Trinity Church with two minutes silence observed and wreaths laid by members of Godalming’s community including residents, RBLS/DLs students as well as friends from further away.