Tunsgate Arch, Guildford
Historic neoclassical arch on Guildford’s High Street, once a bustling cornmarket gateway and now a cherished civic landmark.
Tunsgate Arch is a neoclassical landmark on Guildford’s High Street, originally built in 1818 as part of the town’s cornmarket and assize court. Featuring a Portland stone portico with Tuscan columns and the borough’s coat of arms, it marks a historic trading site and now serves as a striking entrance to a shopping quarter. The arch reflects Guildford’s rich agricultural past and civic history, blending heritage with modern urban life.
A brief summary to Tunsgate Arch
- High St, Guildford, GU1 3AA, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the mosaic under the arch celebrating Guildford’s twinning with Freiburg to appreciate local and international heritage.
- Look for the borough coat of arms and agricultural symbols in the pediment to understand the arch’s symbolic significance.
- Explore the nearby Guildhall and High Street for a fuller sense of Guildford’s historical market area.
- Visit during quieter hours to enjoy the architectural details and peaceful atmosphere beneath the arch.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Guildford railway station, a 15-20 minute walk along North Street and High Street brings you to Tunsgate Arch. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing through the town centre. No cost involved.
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Bus
Local buses from Guildford bus station serve stops near High Street, with a 5-10 minute walk to Tunsgate Arch. Services run frequently throughout the day. A single fare costs approximately £2-£4 GBP.
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Car
Driving to Guildford town centre involves parking in nearby public car parks such as Tunsgate multi-storey. Parking fees range from £1.50 to £3 per hour. From the car park, Tunsgate Arch is a 2-5 minute walk.
Tunsgate Arch location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Tunsgate Arch
Origins of Guildford’s Market Heritage
Guildford’s markets have roots stretching back to Saxon times, when farmers from the surrounding countryside brought produce to town for sale. Unlike many towns, Guildford never had a dedicated market square; instead, markets were held along the High Street. Among these were weekly corn, cattle, and general food markets. To protect sacks of grain from the weather, the cornmarket was held under shelter, initially in front of the Guildhall and later beneath a wooden canopy by the Three Tuns Inn.Construction of the Neoclassical Arch
In 1818, the Three Tuns Inn was demolished to make way for a more substantial structure designed by Henry Garling in the neoclassical style. Built of Portland stone, the new building featured a grand portico with four Tuscan columns supporting an entablature and pediment. The pediment proudly displays Guildford’s coat of arms, flanked by symbolic motifs: the sword of justice representing the law court and a horn of plenty symbolizing the cornmarket’s agricultural prosperity. This structure housed the cornmarket beneath its arch and a courtroom for the annual assizes behind it.Transformation and Preservation Through Time
By the late 19th century, the cornmarket’s importance waned due to agricultural depression, and the assizes moved to a new County Hall. In 1937, most of the original building was demolished to create a road, with the portico retained as a standalone arch. The two central columns were moved apart to allow traffic to pass through, an early example of sympathetic architectural reuse praised by historians. Later, the area evolved into a shopping centre, with the arch serving as its iconic entrance.Symbolism and Civic Pride
Underneath the arch, a mosaic installed in 1992 celebrates Guildford’s twinning with Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, symbolizing international friendship. The arch’s historical role as a cornmarket is commemorated by the display of agricultural symbols and the story of corn porters who collected tolls, which funded the town’s corporation. This blend of commerce, justice, and civic identity is embodied in the arch’s design and location.Architectural and Urban Context
Situated halfway up Guildford’s bustling High Street, Tunsgate Arch stands opposite the Guildhall and forms a focal point in the town’s historic core. Its neoclassical elegance contrasts with surrounding medieval and Georgian buildings, contributing to Guildford’s distinctive skyline. The arch’s Portland stone gleams against the backdrop of the Surrey Hills, linking the town’s heritage with its natural landscape.Modern Role and Visitor Experience
Today, Tunsgate Arch is more than a historic relic; it is a vibrant urban landmark framing the entrance to the Tunsgate Quarter shopping centre. Visitors encounter a blend of past and present, where the echoes of market traders mingle with contemporary retail life. Informational plaques nearby provide context, inviting exploration of Guildford’s rich history through this enduring architectural symbol.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tunsgate Arch
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Historic neoclassical arch on Guildford’s High Street, once a bustling cornmarket gateway and now a cherished civic landmark.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Neoclassical
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
