Research

We welcome visits and researchers contacting us to find out more about our collections, and the history of Godalming. We have a fantastic range of materials relating to Godalming that can be consulted by appointment in our Library. As this service is largely volunteer run we ask that you give us as much notice as possible to ensure that someone will be available to assist you. For research enquiries please contact museum.library@godalming-tc.gov.uk.

The Local Studies Library collection includes:

• The Percy Woods collection of deeds and transcripts from 11th – 19th centuries

• The Penfold collection – a survey of houses and land in Godalming and the surrounding villages, and in Haslemere, taken in 1863 Histories of local places, families and organisations

• Publications from local societies and relating to Godalming’s history

• Prints, drawings and portraits

• Photographs and postcards

• Maps and plans, including tithe maps and apportionments

• Family and local history sources for research

We also have a database of local images and events compiled by dedicated volunteers which can be accessed via computers located on both floors of the Museum. The database provides a wide range of information about the history of the town and the surrounding area. There are about 2,000 old images and about the same number of modern images. The images cover Godalming, Binscombe, Birtley, Bowlhead Green, Brook, Busbridge, Catteshall, Charterhouse, Compton, Eashing, Enton, Farncombe, Hascombe, Hydestile, Loseley, Milford, Mousehill, Munstead, Peper Harow, Thursley, Tuesley, Witley, Witley Park, and Wormley.

The Museum’s Local Studies Library