Quakers Acre

This square, situated in the heart of Guildford, was constructed because the "Society of Friends", known as Quakers, wanted to buy a new meeting place and a cemetery. In 1673 they purchased a building and a small spot at the end of "North Street". They constructed the new meeting place in the year 1805, and the square that we see today was used as a cemetery until it was given to the city council in the year 1927. The nearby "Speaker's Tree" became a popular place for public speeches. Currently the square, a perfect rectangle, is situated a few hundred meters from the "Friary Shopping Centre" and next to the public library.