Tunsgate Shopping Centre - Guildford

In the heart of Guildford, Surrey's most attractive shopping town, you will discover Tunsgate Square Shopping Centre.

Half way up the cobbled High Street, opposite the town's famous Guildhall clock, Tunsgate Square offers the finest in designer fashions, personal and household accessories and a cafe, all in an unrivalled sophisticated, spacious and cheerful environment, created by its conservatory-style square.

History

The name Tunsgate derives from Tuns Inn which until 1818 stood on the site of the imposing Tuscan style archway adjacent to the Shopping Centre. There have been markets held in Guildford since Saxon times. There was never a market square and for much of Guildford's history the markets were held in the High Street. However, sacks of grain needed cover from the rain and so the corn market was held under the overhanging first floor of the Guildhall. As more space became needed a wooden canopy was built in front of the Tuns Inn opposite. Behind this Corn Exchange was sited the gallows where Christopher Slaughterford was hanged in July 1709 for the murder of his sweetheart, Jane Young. His ghost is said to haunt Tunsgate still as he protests his innocence. In 1818 the Inn was demolished and the present archway built. The Corn Exchange occupied the space under the arch with a courtroom for annual assizes at the rear. In 1901 the sale of corn moved to Woodbridge Road where it ended in 1970.

More Information can be found at: www.tunsgate.co.uk