Historic vehicles, Guildford High Street

Pre-war Dennis vehicles from the Rural Life Museum at Farnham will be on display during the day outside Holy Trinity Church. There will also be two pre-First World War Dennis cars from the John Dennis collection dating from 1902 and 1909. Please note that with such old vehicles we cannot guarantee all will be there on the day but we always have a good show.

Please do not climb on the vehicles without the permission of the owners but they will be delighted to talk to you and show you around so take the opportunity to have a chat.

Guildford was the home of Dennis commercial vehicles until 2020 and for much of the twentieth century it was the name most associated with fire engines. John and Raymond Dennis started their business as with a cycle shop in the High Street in 1895, capitalising on the interest in cycling around the Surrey Hills. With the advent of motor cars they built one of earliest purpose built car factories in the country. The factory survives in Bridge Street. Known as Rodboro Building it is the home of Wetherspoons. However, they soon moved into commercial vehicles and transferred to Woodbridge Hill in 1919 where they remained until 1990. In the late 20th century the business was split up but the name lives on and can still be seen on dustcarts and buses. The Rural Life Museum is the home to a 1914 fire truck, 1933 Dart coach, 1933 Lancet bus and 1936 fire truck.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1000 - 1800

Location & directions

High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3QG

Contact on day:

Gavin Morgan

Telephone number:

+447904587043

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Est. tour duration:

8 hour(s)

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