Town Council
Hidden Heritage
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Farnham has a magnificent history: Stone Age, Roman and Saxon dwellings have been found here, Britain’s first cistercian monastery Waverley Abbey was built here and the fine 12th century castle standing above the town has welcomed visitors for the last 800 years.
The origin of Farnham as a successful market town comes from its strategic position between London, Winchester and the coast, perfect for trade. The cereal and wool trades boomed here in the 17th century, when up to 1,000 wagons a day would arrive in Farnham, and in the 18th century the growth of hops guaranteed the town’s continued prosperity. Farnham continued to change and develop with the arrival of the railway in 1849 and the construction of the army camp at nearby Aldershot in 1853.
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Hidden Heritage
West Street chapel of rest
Guided walks in Farnham
Held on the first Sunday of the month, guide-led walking tours of Farnham introduce a wealth of historical information (Tel: 01252 718119). The self-guided Heritage Trail of Farnham is a wonderful way to discover more about the history of Farnham. Visit the Museum of Farnham for a vast range of artefacts from the town, including a mammoth’s tusk and the skull cap worn by Charles I during his stay at Vernon House in West Street, which is now home to Farnham Library.
Just out of town, the Rural Life Centre in Tilford offers visitors a wonderful showcase of rural life, with regular events including Kids’ Thursdays and courses in traditional crafts.