A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Godalming is built of Bargate stone. The dressings are of clunch, or hard chalk, except for the nineteenth-century additions, where Bath stone was used. It possesses the oldest dateable man-made objects in Godalming - the carved Anglo-Saxon stones of c.820-840. The demands of a continuously expanding town, based originally upon wool, then upon the leather and paper industries - and in this century augmented by commuters - have left a legacy in the fabric and furnishings of the church from each of the last eleven centuries - a considerable rarity for a parish church.
Ninth - Twelfth centuries
Godalming is first mentioned - as a ham (village) - in King Alfred's will, c.880. It probably contained a church of which the Anglo-Saxon stones were part. The original chancel arch was replaced by Sir Gilbert Scott with the present gothic one in 1879. In 1086, Domesday Book recorded that Rannulf Flambard, justiciar of William Rufus, held Godalming church. Indeed, he held it until his death in 1128, when it came into the possession of the Deans of Salisbury with whom it remained until 1846.
Thirteenth and Fourteenth centuries
In the thirteenth century, the cruciform church of the Normans was converted into a rectangle by the construction of the north and south chapels and nave aisles. Originally provided with lancet windows (c.1220) - three in the east wall and five in the south - they were gradually replaced. The geometrical window in the east wall and the grouped lancets, with their Sussex marble columns, date from c.1270. The other south windows are of the fifteenth or sixteenth century. The Norman chancel was extended to the east and is supported by characteristic diagonal fourteenth century buttresses. The fine original crown post roof over the chancel of before 1400, survives. But the most important feature of this period was the construction of the magnificent oak timbered spire, clad in lead. This was completely restored in 1988, when 12 tons of lead including the original 10 tons, were fabricated to re-cover the huge mediaeval wooden frame.
Fifteenth - Eighteenth centuries
One further major construction occurred in the earlier part of this period: the addition of one bay to the west end of the Anglo-Saxon nave. Apart from this, the problem of additional seating was solved in the eighteenth century by the placing of wooden galleries in the nave and transepts (notches in the stonework show evidence of this).
Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries
Two great restorations of the church occurred - in 1840 and in 1879. The former extended the nave westwards to the road. The latter, by Sir Gilbert Scott, RA and Ralph Nevill, FSA, has left the church substantially as it is today. The aisles were extended westwards and widened. The Anglo-Saxon chancel arch was replaced by a gothic one. The Norman east tower arch was raised, but the old imposts, which survive, show its original position. The choir stalls, pews and encaustic tile floors all date from 1879. The north chapel was refurbished - and the old west aisle windows of the church were placed on the north side there. The twentieth century has seen the construction of the porch (1911), the building of the vestries (1925) and the Octagon (1970).
Stage 1 - At the published co-ordinates, you should find yourself between 2 x stones that both were entrances to the vault – but at different years. Make a note of both dates and subtract the smaller from the larger = AB
Stage 2 - Walk around the back of the church (to the right) and look for the stone plaques and note how old Eliz was when she died = CD.
Stage 3 - Carry on across the grave yard and you will see the war memorial. Near here you need to find Mary wife of David Coles grave stone and note when she died = 13th July 1E96.
Stage 4 - Head back to the path and walk through the grave yards and you will see a couple of benches overlooking the band stand and bowls green. One of those benches is dedicated to Angela Dart – what are the dates on this bench = 25 July 190F – 23 (converting to its month number = G) 2005.
The cache can be found at – N51 11.A(B/2)(C-3) W000 36.(D+E-3)GF
As you would imagine – this is a very busy area, especially in the summer, so maximum stealth will be necessary when removing and replacing the cache. When you arrive at GZ, check the location with the hint and pick your moment.
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication
To view the church micro stats page, please click here