Jews most likely arrived in Guildford during the 12th century. It is widely believed that they built a synagogue, , in the High Street. There is a small plaque outside the shop to mark the spot. In 1995, during excavations at the site of the old synagogue, archaeologists led by Mary Alexander of the
Guildford Museum found a chamber with steps down from street level. It was ornately decorated with pattern designs. In the east of the room is an alcove and a pillar where scorch marks demonstrate that a light was often burning in this place. The assumption is that the alcove is the
Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) and that the mark is left from a
Ner Tamid (Everlasting Light). Being the only chamber of its kind in England, there has been much dispute over its use, but the most popular theory and all the evidence points towards the probability that Guildford has the
oldest synagogue remains in the United Kingdom and one of the oldest in Western Europe. The modern synagogue, on York Road, contains a stone from the original synagogue, presented by Guildford Museum. The actual chamber is under concrete although both the owners of the site and local historians have expressed their regret at it not having a glass floor. ==Modern synagogue==