Guildford Black Friary

Log in to your account

AroundUs is a community-driven map of interesting places, built by curious explorers like you. It grows with every review, story, and photo you share.
Connect to save your favorite spots, contribute locations, and create personalized routes.
By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy

Guildford Black Friary

Add to collection
Map
Suggest a change
Share

Guildford Black Friary, Dominican monastery in Guildford, England

Guildford Black Friary was a Dominican monastery that spread across roughly 10 acres on the east side of the River Wey. The complex featured a central cloister courtyard with the church nave running along the south side of the grounds.

Eleanor of Provence founded this Dominican community in 1275 as a center for friars. The monastery was dissolved in 1538 during King Henry VIII's reform of religious houses.

The burial ground shows how Dominican friars and local people were laid to rest together, reflecting the social order of medieval times. These graves reveal how different ranks of society coexisted in this sacred space.

The remains of the monastery lie about 3 feet (1 meter) below the modern ground level and are not visible to the naked eye. The site can still be explored, though there are no structures remaining above ground.

When the friary was demolished in 1606, salvaged stones and materials were reused in other buildings across Guildford. Pieces of the original structure ended up incorporated into various houses and constructions throughout the town.

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 51.23919,-0.58683

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44

Photos
Traditional English pubs in unexpected locations

English pubs exist not only in city centers but also in remote countryside locations, along coastlines, and in rural communities. Many of these establishments have operated for centuries, combining historic architecture with regional beer culture. The buildings range from medieval stone structures to Tudor timber frames, with some housed in former monasteries, ferry crossing inns, or mountain walking routes. Pubs in this group include The Old Ferry Boat Inn in Holywell, dating to the 11th century, and The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, connected to literary figures and highwaymen. In Oxford, the Turf Tavern offers a hidden courtyard tucked behind medieval city walls, while The Eagle and Child became known as the meeting place for the Inklings writers' group. The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds claims the title of Britain's smallest pub. Other locations include Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, built partly into caves beneath the castle, the 12th-century Skirrid Mountain Inn in Abergavenny, and The Pandora Inn on Restronguet Creek in Cornwall. Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire sits at 1,732 feet (528 meters) above sea level, making it England's highest pub.

Reviews

Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.

« Guildford Black Friary - Dominican monastery in Guildford, England » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes