History & Heritage
Farnham has a magnificent history, Stone Age, Roman and Saxon dwellings have been found here, the
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 hundred years.
The origin of Farnham as a successful market town comes from
The Maltings
its strategic position perfect for trading. Up to a thousand wagons
The Maltings, now an arts and community centre was once a brewery
filled with wheat would arrive in Farnham during the cereal trade
serving over 90 pubs that were in Farnham at the time. A restored sign
in the 17th century. Later, wool would begin to arrive in Farnham
for `Farnham United Breweries' can be seen on the side wall of No. 2
and in the 18th century the growth of hops guaranteed the town's
Red Lion Lane, which until 1920 was the Red Lion pub.
continued prosperity.
By the late 1890s and early 1900s, the brewing and malting industries
Farnham continued to change and develop with the arrival of the
were a major source of income in Farnham. Local farmers produced
railway in 1849 and the construction of the army camp at nearby
hops and barley, which was passed on to local maltings, including the
Aldershot in 1853.
Farnham Maltings, to be roasted. Malting continued there until 1956,
Waverley Abbey
when newer methods made it uneconomic.
England's first Cistercian abbey was built near Farnham. The now ruins
James Barrie author of `Peter Pan' lived in
of Waverley Abbey are situated in a peaceful loop of the River Wey and
Black Lake Cottage near Tilford and the
still give an impression of the solitude experienced by the monks who
founded a monastery here almost 900 years ago.
adventures he and his sons had in the nearby
woodland inspired the story. The Black Lake
Mike Hawthorn, Britain's first Formula One World Champion racing driver
died in 1958 and is buried in Farnham's West Street cemetery
Pond became a South Sea Lagoon in the book.
Museum of Farnham
For more information about the history of Farnham
Visit the Museum of Farnham for a vast range of artefacts from the
please visit the Farnham Town Council website www.farnham.gov.uk.
town, including a mammoth's tusk and the skull cap worn by Charles I
during his stay at Vernon House, on his way to his trial and execution
(now home to Farnham Library).
William Cobbett, considered the foremost political journalist of the
age was born in Farnham and is buried in St Andrew's Churchyard. He
repeatedly called for a radical reform of Parliament and the Church and
his efforts were rewarded by the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832.
Today, William Cobbett's birthplace is a public house of the same name.
A statue of William Cobbett upon his horse, designed by the late Sheila
Mitchell, Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, was unveiled in
2016 at the corner of Longbridge and Downing Street.
Farnham Castle
Farnham Castle which was founded in 1138 by Henry de Blois, Bishop of
Winchester, brother of King Stephen, sits above the town. Entry is free.
If you want to find out more about Farnham Castle's former residents,
you could book a guided tour of the Bishop's Palace on Wednesday
afternoons call 01252 721194.
William Cobbett Sculpture
6 www.farnham.gov.uk

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