The Undercroft

About

The Medieval Undercroft on Guildford High Street is one of the finest examples in the country. Dating from the end of the 13th Century, this stone vaulted semi-basement is thought to have been a merchant's shop, selling wine or expensive clothes or silk.

Undercrofts like this are a feature of towns engaged in the import and export trade, and the merchant who built this undercroft must have expected to deal with prosperous clients who sought luxury goods. There are traces of perhaps of half a dozen undercrofts in Guildford at the time that this one was built, but this is the only fully preserved and intact example. They were very expensive and only rich merchants could afford the masonry work, indicating that Guildford was very wealthy throughout the middle ages. 

Access: Access to the Undercroft is down a narrow flight of stone steps to the entrance, then further steps down within the historic interior. Please do contact us in advance so we can assist you as much as possible in preparation for your visit or provide an alternative option. An induction loop is available at the information desks.