Guildford Spike - Now Open
The Story of the Spike
After five years hard work by the Charlotteville Trust, July 18th 2008 saw the official opening of the newly restored Guildford "Spike" - the vagrants' ward of the now-demolished Guildford workhouse. Apart from being one of the very few remaining examples of such buildings, the Guildford Spike is the biggest and the best-preserved of the survivors and retains many of the building's original features, most notably the work cells where tramps broke stone in return for their two nights of lodging. The former male vagrants' wing now houses a museum which provides a vivid and fascinating insight into the lives of the poor who were driven to use these establishments.
 Local MP Anne Milton performs the official opening. |
 The Spike restoration enabled by a £1.2M grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. |
 The tramps' bathroom brought startlingly to life. |
Visiting the Spike
Guided tours of the Spike are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays 10am-4pm. Please call 01483-569944 or email heritage@charlotteville.co.uk to make a booking or for further information. Further information is also available at: www.charlotteville.co.uk
| Admission prices: Adults: £3.50 Children (5-16) and concessions: £2.50 Under-5s: Free |
Location: Warren Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3JH. Map |
Access: Most areas of The Spike have assisted wheelchair access. The car-park contains several designated disable spaces. |
School groups are particularly welcome and a range of educational activities is provided, with visits typically lasting 2.5-3 hours. For more information and a teacher's resource pack, please contact The Heritage Education Officer — Tel 01483-569944 or email learning@charlotteville.co.uk. Pre-booking is essential and a free preliminary visit is recommended to assist teachers in their preparation for a visit.
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