View source for Farnham

{{short description|Market town in Surrey, England}}
{{About|the town in Surrey}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{distinguish|Fareham|Faversham}}
{{Infobox UK place|
| country = England
| type = [[Market town]] and [[civil parish]]
| coordinates = {{coord|51.215|-0.799|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| official_name = Farnham
| static_image_name = View of Castle Street Farnham looking north 2022-09-29.jpg
| static_image_caption = Castle Street
| static_image_2_name = Farnham Town coat of arms.png
| static_image_2_caption = Coat of arms <br /> Motto: 'By Worth'
| static_image_2_width = 100px
| population = 39,488
| population_ref = (civil parish)<ref name=ons>[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk Key Statistics; Quick Statistics: Population Density] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211201309/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/ |date=11 February 2003 }} [[United Kingdom Census 2011]] ''[[Office for National Statistics]]'' Retrieved 21 November 2013</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 36.52
| civil_parish = Farnham
| shire_district = [[Waverley, Surrey|Waverley]]
| shire_county = [[Surrey]]
| region = South East England
| map_type = Surrey
| constituency_westminster = [[Farnham and Bordon]]
| post_town = Farnham
| postcode_district = GU9
| postcode_area = GU
| dial_code = 01252
| os_grid_reference = SU8447
}}

'''Farnham''' is a [[market town]] and [[civil parish]] in [[Surrey]], England, around {{convert|36|mi}} southwest of [[London]]. It is in the [[Borough of Waverley]], close to the [[administrative counties of England|county]] border with [[Hampshire]]. The town is on the north branch of the [[River Wey]], a tributary of the [[River Thames|Thames]], and is at the western end of the [[North Downs]]. The civil parish, which includes the villages of [[Badshot Lea]], [[Hale, Surrey|Hale]] and [[Wrecclesham]], covers {{cvt|14.1|sqmi|km2}} and had a population of 39,488 in 2011.<ref>{{NOMIS2011|id=E04009614|title=Farnham civil parish}}</ref>

Among the prehistoric objects from the area is a [[woolly mammoth]] [[tusk]], excavated in Badshot Lea at the start of the 21st century. The earliest evidence of human activity is from the [[Neolithic]] and, during the [[Roman Britain|Roman period]], tile making took place close to the town centre. The name "Farnham" is of [[Anglo-Saxon|Saxon]] origin and is generally agreed to mean "meadow where [[fern]]s grow". From at least 803, the settlement was under the control of the [[Bishop of Winchester|Bishops of Winchester]] and [[Farnham Castle|the castle]] was built as a residence for [[Henry de Blois|Bishop Henry de Blois]] in 1138. [[Henry VIII]] is thought to have spent part of his childhood under the care of [[Richard Foxe|Bishop Richard Foxe]] and is known to have lived at Farnham Castle when he was 16.

In the late [[Middle Ages|medieval period]], the primary local industry was the production of [[Kersey (cloth)|kersey]], a coarse, [[wool]]len cloth. In the [[early modern period]], the town's weekly corn market was said to be the second largest in England after London. Between 1600 and the 1970s, the area was a centre for growing [[hops]] and for the [[brewing]] industry. The town began to expand in the early Victorian period, stimulated in part by the opening of [[Alton line|the railway]] in 1849 and the arrival of the [[British Army|army]] in nearby Aldershot in 1855. Farnham became an Urban District in 1894, but under the [[Local Government Act 1972]], it became part of the Borough of Waverley. The civil parish and [[Parish councils in England|town council]] were created in 1984.

The Farnham area has long been associated with the creative arts and with [[pottery]] making in particular. One of three campuses of the [[University for the Creative Arts]] is to the west of the centre and there are numerous [[list of public art in Surrey#Farnham|works of public art on display in the town]]. Notable buildings in the civil parish include the ruins of [[Waverley Abbey]] and the 18th century [[Willmer House]], now the location of the Museum of Farnham. Politician [[William Cobbett]] and writer [[George Sturt]] were both born in Farnham, as was [[Maud Gonne]], the [[Irish republicanism#Nineteenth century onward|Irish republican]] [[suffragette]]. More recent residents have included the watercolour artist [[W. H. Allen (artist)|William Herbert Allen]], [[Formula One]] driver [[Mike Hawthorn]], the [[England cricket team|England cricketer]] [[Graham Thorpe]], and the [[England national rugby union team|England rugby union captain]] [[Jonny Wilkinson]].

==Toponymy==
The oldest surviving record of Farnham is from a {{circa|1150}} copy of a
{{circa|688}} charter, in which the settlement appears as ''Fernham''. The name is written as ''Fearnhamme'' in the ''[[Anglo-Saxon Chronicle]]'' from {{circa|900}} and as ''Ferneham'' in [[Domesday Book]]. The town first appears with its modern spelling "Farnham" in 1233. The name is thought to derive from the [[Old English]] words ''fearn'' and ''ham'' and is generally agreed to mean "[[homestead (buildings)|homestead]] or [[enclosure (archaeology)|enclosure]] where [[fern]]s grow". Alternatively the second part could derive from ''hamm'', meaning "river meadow".<ref>{{harvnb|Gover|Mawer|Stenton|1969|p=169}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Mills|2003|p=186}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{maplink |title= Farnham |frame=yes |frame-width=300 |frame-height=300 |frame-lat=51.215 |frame-long=-0.797 |type=shape |id= Q643160 |stroke-width= 4 |stroke-opacity= 0.6 |fill= #000000 |fill-opacity= 0.0 |zoom=SWITCH:15;13;11 |switch= Farnham centre; town centre, Hale and Mount Pleasant; Farnham Civil Parish }}
Farnham's history and present status are mainly the result of its [[geography]]; a combination of river, streams, fresh water springs and varied soils, together with a temperate climate, was attractive in prehistoric times. The geology of the area continues to influence the town, both in terms of communications, scenic and botanic variety and the main local industries of agriculture and minerals extraction. Farnham Geological Society is an active organisation in the town, and the Museum of Farnham has a collection of geological samples and fossils.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.farnhamgeosoc.org.uk/ |title=Farnham Geological Society |publisher=Farnhamgeosoc.org.uk |access-date=27 May 2013 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619142030/http://www.farnhamgeosoc.org.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Farnham lies in the valley of the North Branch of the [[River Wey]], which rises near [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]], merges with the South Branch at [[Tilford]], and joins the [[River Thames]] at [[Weybridge]]. The mainly east–west alignment of the ridges and valleys has influenced the development of road and rail communications. The most prominent [[geology|geological]] feature is the [[chalk]] of the [[North Downs]] which forms a ridge (the [[Hog's Back]]) to the east of the town, and continues through Farnham Park to the north of the town centre, and westwards to form the [[Hampshire Downs]]. The land rises to more than {{convert|180|m|ft|abbr=off}} above sea level (ASL) to the north of the town at Caesar's Camp which, with the northern part of the park, lies on gravel beds. There are a number of [[Sinkhole|swallow holes]] in the park where this [[stratum]] meets the chalk. The historic core of the town lies on gravel beds at an altitude of roughly 70 metres<ref>Ordnance Survey data</ref> (230&nbsp;ft) ASL on an underlying geology of [[Gault Clay]] and [[Upper Greensand]] and the southern part of the town rises to more than {{convert|100|m|ft|abbr=off}} on the [[Lower Greensand]].

===Climate===
Farnham has a temperate maritime climate, free from extreme temperatures, with moderate rainfall and often breezy conditions. The nearest official weather station to Farnham is Alice Holt Lodge, just under {{convert|3+1/2|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} southwest of the town centre.

The highest temperature recorded was {{convert|35.4|°C|°F|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=13&year=2006&indexid=TXx&stationid=1871
|title=July 2006 Maximum
|access-date=28 February 2011
|archive-date=30 April 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430200604/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=13&year=2006&indexid=TXx&stationid=1871
|url-status=live
}}</ref> in July 2006. In an 'average' year, the warmest day would reach {{convert|26.3|°C|°F|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|title=Annual average warmest day
|access-date=28 January 2021
|archive-date=6 February 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206023248/http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> with 18.1 days<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|title=average >25+ days
|access-date=28 January 2021
|archive-date=6 February 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206023248/http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> attaining a temperature of {{convert|25.1|°C|°F|abbr=on}} or higher.

The lowest temperature recorded was {{convert|-14.0|°C|°F|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=8&year=1986&indexid=TNn&stationid=1871
|title=Feb 1986 Minimum
|access-date=28 February 2011
|archive-date=30 April 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430200619/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=8&year=1986&indexid=TNn&stationid=1871
|url-status=live
}}</ref> in February 1986. On average, 57.7 nights of the year will register an air frost.

Annual rainfall averages 821mm,<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|title=Average rainfall
|access-date=28 January 2021
|archive-date=6 February 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206023248/http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> with at least 1mm of rain reported on 126.0 days.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|title=Average Raindays
|access-date=28 January 2021
|archive-date=6 February 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206023248/http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> All averages refer to the 1991–2020 observation period.

{{Weather box|location = Alice Holt Lodge, elevation 115m, 1991–2020, extremes 1960-
|collapsed =
|metric first = y
|single line = y
|Jan record high C = 15.0
|Feb record high C = 17.0
|Mar record high C = 21.1
|Apr record high C = 25.8
|May record high C = 27.6
|Jun record high C = 34.2
|Jul record high C = 35.4
|Aug record high C = 35.1
|Sep record high C = 28.9
|Oct record high C = 24.0
|Nov record high C = 18.1
|Dec record high C = 14.7
|year record high C = 35.4
|Jan high C = 7.6
|Feb high C = 8.2
|Mar high C = 11.0
|Apr high C = 14.1
|May high C = 17.5
|Jun high C = 20.3
|Jul high C = 22.5
|Aug high C = 21.9
|Sep high C = 19.0
|Oct high C = 14.8
|Nov high C = 10.5
|Dec high C = 8.0
|year high C =
|Jan low C = 1.3
|Feb low C = 1.3
|Mar low C = 2.4
|Apr low C = 3.9
|May low C = 6.8
|Jun low C = 9.5
|Jul low C = 11.5
|Aug low C = 11.4
|Sep low C = 9.2
|Oct low C = 6.7
|Nov low C = 3.7
|Dec low C = 1.6
|year low C =
|Jan record low C = −13.6
|Feb record low C = −14.0
|Mar record low C = −10.6
|Apr record low C = −6.0
|May record low C = −3.3
|Jun record low C = 0.5
|Jul record low C = 3.5
|Aug record low C = 3.1
|Sep record low C = -0.8
|Oct record low C = -6.0
|Nov record low C = −7.6
|Dec record low C = −12.9
|year record low C = −14.0
|Jan precipitation mm = 89.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 63.8
|Mar precipitation mm = 54.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 57.5
|May precipitation mm = 51.3
|Jun precipitation mm = 51.3
|Jul precipitation mm = 52.2
|Aug precipitation mm = 57.7
|Sep precipitation mm = 60.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 92.2
|Nov precipitation mm = 99.8
|Dec precipitation mm = 90.6
|year precipitation mm = 
|Jan rain days = 13.3
|Feb rain days = 10.8
|Mar rain days = 10.0
|Apr rain days = 9.7
|May rain days = 8.8
|Jun rain days = 8.5
|Jul rain days = 8.7
|Aug rain days = 8.7
|Sep rain days = 9.2
|Oct rain days = 11.8
|Nov rain days = 13.8
|Dec rain days = 12.7
|year rain days= 
|source 1 = Meteoclimat<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
| title = Aldergrove Climate Period: 1991-2020
| publisher = Meteoclimat
| access-date = 28 January 2021
| archive-date = 6 February 2021
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210206023248/http://climate-datas-weather.dynalias.org/listenormale-1991-2020-1-p183.php#ss
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>
|date=January 2021|source 2 = https://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2015/08/03/record-hot-to-record-cold-in-a-july-of-extremes/
}}

==History==
===Prehistory===
====Stone Age====
Farnham's [[history]] extends back hundreds of thousands of years to the [[hunter-gatherer]]s of the [[Paleolithic]] or early [[Stone Age]], on the basis of stone tools such as many [[Handaxes]] found around the town. Most of these were collected by [[antiquarians]] in the later 19th and early 20th Century.<ref>{{cite web |title=News and Reports from Lithics Group |url=https://www.surreyarchaeology.org.uk/News-and-information-for-group/Lithics-Group |website=Surrey Archaeological Society |access-date=18 August 2024}}</ref> Additionally prehistoric animal bones, sometimes found together with the aforementioned flint tools in deep gravel pits such as a [[woolly mammoth]] [[tusk]], excavated in Badshot Lea at the start of the 21st century.<ref name=fpc>[http://www.frensham-pc.gov.uk/history/ Our History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206015232/http://www.frensham-pc.gov.uk/history/ |date=6 February 2012 }} on website of neighbouring Frensham Parish Council</ref> The first known [[Human settlement|settlement]] in the area was in the [[Mesolithic]] period, some 7,000 years ago; a cluster of [[Pit-house|pit dwellings]]<ref name=fpc/> and evidence of a [[flint-knapping]] industry from that period has been excavated a short distance to the east of the town. There was a [[Neolithic]] [[long barrow]] at nearby [[Badshot Lea]], now destroyed by quarrying. This monument lay on the route of the [[prehistoric trackway]] known as the [[Harrow Way]] or Harroway, which passes through Farnham Park, and a [[sarsen]] stone still stands nearby, which is believed to have marked the safe crossing point of a marshy area near the present Shepherd and Flock roundabout.<ref>Saxon Farnham by Elfrida Manning, Phillimore & Co, 1970</ref>

====Bronze Age====
Occupation of the area continued to grow through the [[Bronze Age]]. Two bronze hoards have been discovered on Crooksbury Hill,<ref>[https://archive.today/20120305105505/http://www.bvrunners.org.uk/crooksburyhill.aspx Crooksbury Hill], Farnham</ref> and further artefacts have been found, particularly at sites in Green Lane and near the Bourne spring in Farnham Park. A significant number of Bronze Age [[Tumulus|barrows]] occur in the area, including a triple barrow at [[Elstead]] and an [[Urnfield culture|urnfield]] cemetery at Stoneyfield, near the [[Tilford]] road.

====Iron Age====
[[Hill fort]]s from the early [[Iron Age]] have been identified locally at Botany Hill to the south of the town,<ref name=botanyhill>{{cite web
|url=http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/GetRecord/SHHER_1727
|title=HER 1727 - Earthwork On Botany Hill: Slight Univallate Hillfort
|publisher=Exploring Surrey's past
|access-date=15 February 2012
|archive-date=3 March 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231401/http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/GetRecord/SHHER_1727
|url-status=live
}}</ref> and at [[Caesar's Camp, Rushmoor and Waverley|Caesar's Camp]] to the north.<ref name=ceasarcamp>{{cite web
|url=http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/GetRecord/SHHER_1425
|title=HER 1425 - "Caesar's Camp" multivallate hillfort
|publisher=Exploring Surrey's past
|access-date=15 February 2012
|archive-date=6 January 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106050912/http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/GetRecord/SHHER_1425
|url-status=live
}}</ref> The latter is a very large earthwork on a high promontory, served by a spring which emerges from between two [[Conglomerate (geology)|conglomerate]] [[boulder]]s called the Jock and Jenny Stones.<ref name=penguin>{{cite book |title=The Penguin guide to prehistoric England and Wales |author=James Dyer |year=1981 |publisher=[[Penguin books]] |isbn= 978-0-71-391164-0 |page=236}}</ref> "Soldier's Ring" earthworks on Crooksbury Hill date from the later Iron Age.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}} The final era of the Iron Age, during the 1st century [[Anno Domini|AD]], found Farnham within the territory of the [[Belgae|Belgic]] tribe [[Atrebates]] led by [[Commius]], a former ally of [[Julius Caesar|Caesar]], who had brought his tribe to Britain following a dispute with the Romans. A hut dating from this period was discovered at the Bourne Spring and other occupation material has been discovered at various sites, particularly Green Lane.

===Roman Britain===
During the [[Roman Britain|Roman]] period the district became a pottery centre due to the plentiful supply of [[gault clay]], oak woodlands for fuel, and good communications via the Harrow Way and the nearby Roman road from [[Silchester]] to [[Chichester]]. Kilns dating from about AD 100 have been found throughout the area, including Six Bells (near the Bourne Spring), Snailslynch and Mavins Road, but the main centre of pottery had been [[Alice Holt Forest]], on the edge of the town, since about AD 50, just 7 years after the arrival of the Romans. The Alice Holt potteries continued in use, making mainly domestic wares, until about AD 400. Near the Bourne Spring two Roman buildings were discovered; one was a bath-house dating from about AD 270 and the other a house of later date. The Roman Way housing estate stands on this site. [[William Stukeley]] propounded that Farnham is the site of the lost Roman settlement of [[Vindomis]], although this is now believed to be at [[Neatham]], near [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]]. Large hoards of Roman coins have been discovered some {{convert|10|mi|km}} south-west of Farnham in [[Woolmer Forest]] and a temple has been excavated at [[Wanborough, Surrey|Wanborough]], about {{convert|8|mi|km}} to the east.

===The Anglo-Saxon period===
In the 7th century, Surrey passed into the hands of [[Caedwalla|King Caedwalla]] of Wessex, who also conquered Kent and Sussex, and founded a monastery at Farnham in 686.<ref>Kirby, ''The Earliest English Kings'', pp. 102–103.</ref>

It was the [[Anglo-Saxons]] who gave the town its name—Farnham and it is listed as ''Fearnhamme'' in the ''[[Anglo-Saxon Chronicle]]''. They arrived in the 6th century and, in AD 688, the [[Wessex|West Saxon]] King [[Caedwalla of Wessex|Caedwalla]] donated the district around Farnham to the Church, and to the [[diocese]] of [[Winchester, Hampshire|Winchester]]. A Saxon community grew up in the valley by the river. By the year 803 Farnham had passed into the ownership of the [[Bishop of Winchester]] and the [[Manorialism|Manor]] of Farnham remained so (apart from two short breaks) for the next thousand years. Although Farnham is documented in Saxon texts and most of the local names are derived from their language, there is only one fully attested Saxon site in Farnham, just off the lower part of Firgrove Hill, where a road called Saxon Croft is now sited. Here several Saxon weaving huts from about AD 550 were discovered in 1924.

In 892 Surrey was the scene of another [[Battle of Farnham|major battle]] when a large Danish army, variously reported at 200, 250 and 350 ship-loads, moved west from its encampment in Kent and raided in Hampshire and Berkshire. Withdrawing with their loot, the Danes were intercepted and defeated at Farnham by an army led by [[Alfred the Great]]'s son, the future [[Edward the Elder]], and fled across the Thames towards Essex.<ref>''Anglo-Saxon Chronicles'', pp. 84–85.</ref>

====The Hundred of Farnham====
A [[hundred (county subdivision)]] was an area that had a general overlord of its lords of the manor, entitled to charge certain rents to certain [[mesne lord|intermediate lords]]. Parishes within Farnham hundred were: [[Frensham]] (including tything Pitfold with [[Churt]]) (partly in the hundred of Alton) [[Elstead]], the [[liberty (division)|liberty]] of Dockenfield, the liberty of [[Waverley, Surrey|Waverley]], [[Seale, Surrey|Seal (now Seale)]] the [[tything]]s of [[Badshot Lea|Badshot]], [[Runfold]], Culverlands, [[Tilford]] with Culverlands, Farnham, Runwick, Wrecklesham (now [[Wrecclesham]]), and Bourne.

In the 14th century, Farnham hundred was owned by the [[Bishop of Winchester]] and was one of the wealthiest on the bishop's rolls.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/plague_countryside_02.shtml |title=Black Death: The Effect of the Plague |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 May 2013 |archive-date=14 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914054132/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/plague_countryside_02.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

See also, in this context:
*{{section link|Surrey|Medieval Surrey}}
*[[List of hundreds of England]]

===After the Norman invasion===
Farnham appears in [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 in the Hundred of Farnham<ref>{{cite web|title=Open Domesday: Hundred of Farnham|url=https://opendomesday.org/hundred/farnham/|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> as ''Ferneham'', one of the five great "[[Minster (church)|minster]]" churches in Surrey. Its Domesday assets were: 40 [[hide (unit)|hide]]s; 1 church, 6 [[Mill (grinding)|mill]]s worth £2 6s 0d, 43 [[plough]]s, {{convert|35|acre|m2}} of [[meadow]], [[woodland]] worth 175½ [[hog (swine)|hog]]s. It rendered £53.<ref>[http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm Surrey Domesday Book] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030192829/http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm |date=30 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Open Domesday: Farnham, Surrey|url=https://opendomesday.org/place/SU8446/farnham/|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>

[[Waverley Abbey]], the first [[Cistercian]] [[abbey]] in [[England]], was founded in 1128 by [[William Giffard]], [[Bishop of Winchester]] about {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} south of the town centre. [[John of England|King John]] visited Waverley in 1208, and [[Henry III of England|Henry III]] in 1225. The abbey produced the famous Annals of Waverley, an important reference source for the period. By the end of the 13th century the abbey was becoming less important. By the time it was suppressed by [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] in 1536 as part of the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries|dissolution of the monasteries]] there were only thirteen monks in the community.
[[File:Farnham Castle 2019 Shell Wall A.jpg|thumb|The keep and entrance to [[Farnham Castle]]]]
The town is midway between Winchester and London and, in 1138, [[Henry de Blois]] (grandson of [[William the Conqueror]] and brother of [[Stephen of England|King Stephen]]) started building [[Farnham Castle]] to provide accommodation for the Bishop of Winchester in his frequent journeying between his cathedral and the capital. The castle's garrison provided a market for farms and small industries in the town, accelerating its growth. {{convert|3|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=On}} west of the town is [[Crondall|Barley Pound]], the remains of an 11th-century precursor of Farnham Castle.

Farnham was granted its charter as a town in 1249 by [[William de Ralegh]], then [[Bishop of Winchester]].

The Blind Bishop's Steps, a series of steps leading along Castle Street up to the Castle, were originally constructed for Bishop [[Richard Foxe]] (godfather of [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]]).

The [[Black Death]] hit Farnham in 1348, killing about 1,300 people, at that time about a third of the population.<ref>Dr Mike Ibeji [https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/plague_countryside_01.shtml Black Death: The Effect of the Plague] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229155430/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/plague_countryside_01.shtml |date=29 December 2019 }}. A BBC article on the rural impact of the Black Death of 1348, substantially discussing Farnham.</ref> In 1625 Farnham was again subject to an outbreak of the plague which, together with a severe decline in the local woollen industry (the local downland wool being unsuitable for the newly fashionable [[worsted]]) led by the 1640s to a serious [[economic depression]] in the area.<ref>Hall D E & Gretton F ''Farnham During the Civil Wars and Interregnum'' 55pp, Farnham Castle Newspapers, c. 1980</ref> Local wool merchants were, like merchants throughout the country, heavily taxed by Charles I to pay for his increasingly unpopular policies.

===The Civil War===
Against this background the [[English Civil War]] began, with Farnham playing a major part. Here, support for the [[Roundheads|Parliamentarians]] was general. The castle was considered a potential rallying point for [[Cavalier|Royalists]], resulting in the installation of a Roundhead [[garrison]] there in 1642. As the King's forces moved southwards, taking [[Oxford]], [[Reading, Berkshire|Reading]] and [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]], the garrison commander at Farnham (a noted poet), Captain [[George Wither]], decided to evacuate the castle; the new [[High Sheriff of Surrey]] ([[John Denham (poet)|John Denham]], a Royalist sympathiser and another noted poet) then occupied the vacant castle with 100 armed supporters. With the castle and much of the surrounding area in Royalist hands, Parliament despatched Colonel Sir [[William Waller]] to Farnham to retake the castle. The defenders refused to surrender but Waller's men used a [[petard]] to destroy the castle gates and overcame them, with only one fatality, and took the High Sheriff prisoner.

The following year, as the Royalists strengthened their position west of Farnham, the garrison at Farnham Castle was strengthened when it became the headquarters of the Farnham regiment of foot or "[[Greencoats]]", with some eight to nine hundred officers and men, supported by a number of troops of horse. Further reinforcement by three regiments from London, 4,000 strong under Waller's command arrived in Farnham that October prior to an unsuccessful [[foray]] to recapture Winchester from the Royalists. Eight thousand Royalists under [[Ralph Hopton, 1st Baron Hopton|Ralph Hopton]] (a former friend of Waller) advanced on Farnham from the west and skirmishes took place on the outskirts of town. Despite further reinforcement for Waller from Kent, Hopton's entire army gathered on the heathland just outside Farnham Park. There was some [[skirmisher|skirmish]]ing but Hopton's men withdrew. Through the next few years Farnham was an important centre of Parliamentary operations and the garrison cost Farnham people dearly in terms of local taxes, provisioning and quartering; even the lead from the Town Hall roof had been requisitioned to make bullets. A number of local women were widowed following the pressing of local men into the militia. The [[bombardment]] of [[Basing House]] was by a train of heavy [[cannon]] assembled at Farnham from other areas and, in 1646, most of the garrison was removed from Farnham to form a brigade to besiege [[Donnington Castle]] near [[Newbury, Berkshire|Newbury]]. The King surrendered shortly afterwards at [[Newark-on-Trent|Newark]] and a small garrison remained at Farnham.

In 1647, having escaped from custody at [[Hampton Court]], the King rode through Farnham at dawn on 12 November with a small party of loyal officers, en route to the [[Isle of Wight]], where he sought [[sanctuary]] under the protection of [[Robert Hammond (Governor)|Colonel Robert Hammond]], a Parliamentarian officer but with Royalist sympathies. The following March, [[Oliver Cromwell]] stayed at Farnham for discussions concerning the marriage of his daughter to a [[Hampshire]] gentleman, although some historians have speculated that this was cover for secret negotiations with the King.

Following the [[rebellion]] during the summer of 1648 the keep was partially dismantled at the orders of Cromwell, to make further occupation by garrison indefensible. In late November that year Hammond was summoned to Farnham, where he was arrested and the King was removed under military escort to the mainland. On 20 December the King and his escort entered Farnham, where groups of men, women and children gathered at the roadside to welcome him and touch his hand. That night the King lodged at Culver Hall (now Vernon House) in West Street before the party continued to London for Charles's trial and execution in January 1649. The King gave his night cap to Henry Vernon, owner of Culver Hall, "as a token of Royal favour". Records show that the following period of [[interregnum]] until [[English Restoration|restoration]] of the monarchy in 1660 was a time of prosperity and growth for Farnham. In 1660 the bishops of Winchester were restored to the adjoining Bishops Palace, which remained their residence until 1927. From 1927 until 1955 it was a residence of the bishops of the newly created diocese of [[Guildford]]. The castle is currently owned by [[English Heritage]].

===Post-restoration===
Farnham became a successful market town; the author [[Daniel Defoe]] wrote that Farnham had the greatest corn-market after London,<ref name=defoe>{{cite book
|title=A tour through the whole island of Great Britain |last= Defoe |first= Daniel |author-link= Daniel Defoe |editor-last1= Furbank |editor-first1= P. N. |editor-last2= Owens |editor-first2= W. R. |page=58 |publisher= Yale University Press |date=June 1991 |isbn= 978-0-30-004980-0
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XW-ARX8z1wIC |access-date= 6 November 2016 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215952/https://books.google.com/books?id=XW-ARX8z1wIC |url-status=live }}</ref> and describes 1,100 fully laden wagons delivering wheat to the town on market day. During the 17th century, other new industries evolved: [[Farnham Pottery|greenware pottery]] (a pottery, dating from 1873, still exists on the outskirts of the town), [[wool]] and [[cloth]], the processing of [[wheat]] into flour, and eventually [[hops]], a key ingredient of [[beer]]. The [[Anglican divine]], [[Augustus Montague Toplady]], composer of the hymn [[Rock of Ages (Christian hymn)|Rock of Ages]] (1763, at Blagston) was born in Farnham in 1740<ref name=rpo>{{cite web
 |url=http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poet/334.html
 |title=Selected Poetry of Augustus Montague Toplady (1740–1778)
 |publisher=Representative Poetry Online
 |author=Ian Lancashire
 |access-date=15 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528231532/http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poet/334.html
 |archive-date=28 May 2010
 }}</ref> – a plaque now marks the building on West Street where he was born.

[[File:Farnham Cobbett's birthplace.JPG|thumb|left|[[William Cobbett]]'s birthplace]]
The radical MP, soldier, farmer, journalist and publisher [[William Cobbett]] was born in Farnham in 1763, in a pub called the Jolly Farmer.<ref name=jollyfarmer>{{cite web
|url=http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/themes/people/writers/william_cobbett
|title=William Cobbett
|publisher=Exploring Surrey's past
|access-date=15 February 2012
|archive-date=18 January 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118192948/http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/themes/people/writers/william_cobbett/
|url-status=live
}}</ref> The pub still stands, and has since been renamed the William Cobbett.<ref name=pubnames>{{cite book
|title=Dictionary of Pub Names
|author=David Rothwell
|year=2006
|page=421
|publisher=Wordsworth Editions
|isbn=978-1-84-022266-1
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k-4SrdUPNFoC
|access-date=6 November 2016
|archive-date=22 January 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215952/https://books.google.com/books?id=k-4SrdUPNFoC
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

The [[London and South Western Railway]] arrived in 1848 and, in 1854, neighbouring [[Aldershot]] became the "Home of the British Army".<ref name=barracks>{{cite web
 |url=http://www3.hants.gov.uk/aldershot-museum/local-history-aldershot/barracks.htm
 |title=Military Barracks in Aldershot
 |publisher=Hampshire County Council
 |date=26 October 2011
 |access-date=16 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130162315/http://www3.hants.gov.uk/aldershot-museum/local-history-aldershot/barracks.htm
 |archive-date=30 January 2012
 }}</ref> Both events had a significant effect on Farnham. The fast link with London meant city businessmen could think of having a house in the country and still be in close contact with the office; Farnham thereby became an early example of a 'commuter town'. Also, the railway did not reach Aldershot until 1870; during the intervening period soldiers would be carried by train to [[Farnham railway station|Farnham station]] and then march to Aldershot.<ref name=15cOnward>{{cite web
|url=http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/themes/places/surrey/waverley/farnham/farnham_15002004
|title=Farnham: The Later Historic Period from 1500 to the present
|publisher=Exploring Surrey's past
|author=Farnham Museum
|access-date=16 February 2012}}</ref> Many officers and their families chose to billet in Farnham itself. The railway was electrified by the [[Southern Railway (UK)|Southern Railway]] company in 1937 as far as Alton,<ref name=alresford>{{cite web
|url=http://www.alresford.org/displayed/displayed_05_2.php
|title=ALRESFORD'S RAILWAY
|author=John Adams
|year=1981
|publisher=About Alresford
|access-date=16 February 2012
|archive-date=20 November 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120205432/http://www.alresford.org/displayed/displayed_05_2.php
|url-status=live
}}</ref> and a carriage shed for the new electric stock was built in Weydon Lane. This building, which carried fading camouflage paint for many years after World War II, was replaced in 2006.
[[File:St Andrew's Church, West Street, Farnham (May 2015) (1).jpg|thumb|[[St Andrew's Church, Farnham|St Andrew's Parish Church]]]]
In 1895 Farnham Urban District Council (FUDC) was formed.<ref name=FUDC>{{cite web
|url=http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/GetRecord/SHCOL_8119
|title=FARNHAM URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL: ADDITIONAL RECORDS, (1754)-1963
|publisher=Exploring Surrey's past
|access-date=17 February 2012}}</ref> In 1930 the council purchased Farnham Park,<ref name=FarnParkHist>{{Cite web |url=http://www.waverley.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=804&fileID=1597 |title=The history of Farnham Park |publisher= Waverley Borough Council |author= Waverley Borough Council |access-date=17 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423185740/http://www.waverley.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=804&fileID=1597 |archive-date=23 April 2012 }}</ref> a large park occupying much of the former castle grounds. That same year, [[St Joan of Arc's Church, Farnham|St Joan of Arc Church]] was built on Waverley Lane, it was dedicated to [[Joan of Arc|St Joan of Arc]] because [[Farnham Castle]] was a residence of [[Henry Beaufort|Cardinal Henry Beaufort]] who presided over the saint's trial.<ref>[http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-507415-church-of-st-joan-of-arc-farnham-surrey British Listed Buildings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610220840/http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-507415-church-of-st-joan-of-arc-farnham-surrey |date=10 June 2015 }} accessed 4 March 2013</ref> The FUDC was abolished in 1973 by the Local Government Act of the previous year.<ref name=FUDC /> Farnham, together with Hindhead, Haslemere, Cranleigh and surrounding areas were absorbed into the new Waverley District Council (latterly Waverley Borough Council) with its headquarters in Godalming. In 1984 Farnham Parish Council became Farnham Town Council, taking on some of the minor roles of the former FUDC from Waverley.<ref name=towncouncilhist>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnham.gov.uk/towncouncil/the-council/history-of-the-council.html
 |title=History of the Council
 |publisher=Farnham Town Council
 |access-date=17 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829063811/http://www.farnham.gov.uk/towncouncil/the-council/history-of-the-council.html
 |archive-date=29 August 2010 }}</ref>

[[Farnham Maltings]], Bridge Square was once a tannery; the site expanded to become part of the Farnham United Breweries, which included its own maltings. Taken over by a major brewer ([[Courage (brewery)|Courage]]) brewing ceased but malting continued into the 1960s, when Courage planned to sell off the site for redevelopment. The people of Farnham raised enough money to buy the building so that it could be converted into a community centre for the town.<ref name=maltingsHistory>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhammaltings.com/news/about/74/565/7/history.aspx
 |title=history
 |publisher=Farnham Maltings
 |access-date=18 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305131833/http://www.farnhammaltings.com/news/about/74/565/7/history.aspx
 |archive-date=5 March 2012
}}</ref> Other buildings in Farnham once linked to the Farnham Maltings include The Oasthouse (now offices) in Mead Lane and The Hop Kiln (now private residences) on Weydon Lane.

==Transport==
===Rail===
[[File:Farnham railway station.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of the front of Farnham railway station|right|Front of [[Farnham railway station]]]]
[[Farnham railway station]] is served by [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]] services between [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]] and [[London Waterloo railway station|Waterloo]]. South Western Railway also manage the station. Services to Guildford are facilitated by a line running in that direction.<ref name=NRE_station>{{cite web
|url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/fnh/details.html
|title=National Rail Enquiries - Station Facilities for Farnham
|publisher=[[National Rail]]
|access-date=11 February 2012
|archive-date=1 March 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301003432/http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/fnh/details.html
|url-status=live
}}</ref> The [[Alton Line]] becomes a single track between Farnham and [[Alton railway station|Alton station]].<ref name=Network_spec>{{Cite web |url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Publications/Route_Plans/Network%20Specification%202011%20Wessex.pdf |title= Network Specification 2011 - Wessex |page= 5 |publisher= [[Network Rail]] |year= 2011 |access-date= 11 February 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151229125747/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Publications/Route_Plans/Network%20Specification%202011%20Wessex.pdf |archive-date= 29 December 2015 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> The station formerly served as the terminus for the [[Tongham railway station|Tongham railway]] until passenger services ceased in July 1937.<ref name=Harding>{{cite book
|title=The Tongham railway
|author=Peter A. Harding
|page=32
|isbn=0-9523458-0-3
|year=1994 |publisher= P. A. Harding |location= Woking }}</ref>

===Roads===
The [[A31 road|A31]] Farnham bypass links the town by road to [[Winchester]], Alton and [[Guildford]]; the [[A325 road|A325]] links the town to [[Farnborough, Hampshire|Farnborough]] and to the [[A3 road|A3]] (London-Portsmouth) at [[Greatham, Hampshire|Greatham]]. The [[A287 road|A287]] links Farnham to the [[M3 motorway (Great Britain)|M3]] at [[Hook, London|Hook]] and the A3 at [[Hindhead]].<ref name=farnham_map>{{Cite web |url= http://www.farnham.gov.uk/uploads/media/Around-Farnham-map_01.pdf  |title=Around Farnham map |publisher=Farnham Town Council |year=2006 |author=Walking Distance |access-date=11 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525081056/http://www.farnham.gov.uk/uploads/media/Around-Farnham-map_01.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013 }}</ref>

===Buses===
Farnham is served by several bus routes, the majority of bus services originate from Aldershot bus station and are run by [[Stagecoach South|Stagecoach]].<ref name=surreycc_busmap>{{Cite web  |url=http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/168937/Farnham0911.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120418221753/http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/168937/Farnham0911.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2012 |title=Farnham and Aldershot bus route map |date=4 September 2011 |author=Pindar Creative |publisher=[[Surrey County Council]] |access-date=11 February 2012 }}</ref> The ''Waverley Hoppa'' provides demand-responsive transport for travel between Farnham and the surrounding villages.<ref name=hoppa>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.hoppa.org.uk/about-us
 |title=About Waverley Hoppa
 |publisher=Waverley Hoppa
 |access-date=8 April 2018
 |archive-date=9 April 2018
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409111323/http://www.hoppa.org.uk/about-us
 |url-status=live
 }}</ref>

===Air===
The nearest airport for business passengers is [[Farnborough Airport]]. The nearest major airport is [[London Heathrow Airport]] which is {{convert|31|mi|km}} by road.<ref name=AH_by_air>{{cite web
|url=http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-5UXLYF
|title=Getting to Alice Holt Research Station by air
|publisher=[[Forestry Commission]]
|access-date=11 February 2012
|archive-date=15 February 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215003834/http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-5UXLYF
|url-status=live
}}</ref> [[London Gatwick Airport|Gatwick Airport]] and [[Southampton Airport]] are each about {{convert|43|mi|km}} away by main roads.

===Recreational routes===
Farnham is the western starting point of the [[North Downs Way]] [[National Trail]], which is predominantly footpath.
The Pilgrims Way which follows long sections of the North Downs Way traditionally runs from Winchester to Canterbury. The footpath known as [[St. Swithun's Way]] has created a more pleasant route to Winchester than the modern road network which constitutes a lot of the Pilgrims Way.<br />
The southern suburb of Rowledge lies adjacent to the north western fringes of the [[South Downs National Park]].

[[National Cycle Route 22]] passes through Farnham, connecting it to Guildford, [[East Surrey]], [[Isle of Wight]] and the [[New Forest]].<ref name=NCR22>{{cite web|url=http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/route-numbering-system/route-22|title=National Route 22|publisher=[[Sustrans]]|access-date=29 August 2012|archive-date=23 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823061205/http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/route-numbering-system/route-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Castle Street - geograph.org.uk - 384069.jpg|thumb|Castle Street]]
Farnham is a [[market town]]<ref name=visitsurrey>{{cite web
|url=http://www.visitsurrey.com/destinations/towns-and-villages/farnham-p196061
|title=Farnham - Towns & Villages in Surrey
|publisher=Visit Surrey
|access-date=14 February 2012
|archive-date=22 October 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022091420/http://www.visitsurrey.com/destinations/towns-and-villages/farnham-p196061
|url-status=live
}}</ref> with many shops located along the main thoroughfare running through West Street, The Borough and East Street. The town has a significant number of independent retailers, some of which have been in business since the 19th century, such as Rangers Furnishing Stores (est. 1895), Elphicks department store (est. 1881) and [[Pullingers]] (est. 1850). The latter evolved into the Pullingers Art Shop chain and is thought to be Farnham's oldest surviving business. There are also branches of many national retailers and grocery markets.

Castle Street's market stalls have been replaced by semi-permanent "[[orangery]]" style buildings. Once a month a [[farmers' market]] is held in the central car park where produce from farms in Farnham and the surrounding area is sold.<ref name=farmersmarket>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnham.gov.uk/visit/shopping-markets/farnham-farmers-market.html
 |title=Farnham Farmers' Market
 |publisher=Farnham Town Council
 |date=4 November 2011
 |access-date=7 March 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325215625/http://www.farnham.gov.uk/visit/shopping-markets/farnham-farmers-market.html
 |archive-date=25 March 2012
 }}</ref> The Farnham Maltings hosts a monthly market selling arts, crafts, antiques and bric-a-brac<ref name=maltingsmarket>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhammaltings.com/news/regular_events/756/592/46/maltings_monthly_market.aspx
 |title=maltings monthly market
 |year=2012
 |publisher=Farnham Maltings
 |access-date=7 March 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328085448/http://www.farnhammaltings.com/news/regular_events/756/592/46/maltings_monthly_market.aspx
 |archive-date=28 March 2012
 }}</ref> with specialist fairs and festivals held there on a less regular basis.<ref name=maltingsfestivals>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhammaltings.com/news/festivals/578/1/146/festivals.aspx
 |title=Festivals
 |publisher=Farnham maltings
 |access-date=7 March 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205195028/http://www.farnhammaltings.com/news/festivals/578/1/146/festivals.aspx
 |archive-date=5 February 2012
}}</ref>

==Public services==
===Public library===
Farnham Library moved to its current site in the grounds of Vernon House in April 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title= No doubt about it - the new library's a winner |date= 4 May 1990 |work= Farnham Herald |volume= 98 |issue= 43 |page=15 }}</ref> Refurbished in November 2005, it is a community [[lending library]] service run by [[Surrey County Council]]. The library is housed in the historic Vernon House at which [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]] slept on his way to his trial and execution in London in 1649, commemorated by a plaque on the building wall.<ref>{{cite web|author=Good Stuff IT Services |url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-444388-vernon-house-28-farnham |title=Vernon House |publisher=British Listed Buildings |access-date=27 May 2013}}</ref> The library features public gardens with sculptures provided by local artists and [[University for the Creative Arts|UCA]] students.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

===Museum of Farnham===
[[File:Museum of Farnham 2018.jpg|thumb|The Museum of Farnham in 2018]]
The [[Museum of Farnham]] is located at [[Willmer House]], an 18th-century town house with a decorative brickwork façade in West Street. It houses a collection of artefacts spanning several periods of the town's history and prehistory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.farnhammaltings.com/museum/ |title=Museum of Farnham website |publisher=farnhammaltings.com |access-date=27 May 2013 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212165337/https://farnhammaltings.com/museum/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=February 2019}}

The museum was founded in 1961 to provide the Farnham community with a collection dedicated to the history of the local area in an elegant Grade I listed Georgian townhouse which still retains many original features, including a walled garden. The displays include items from a large and eclectic collection; from archaeological artefacts to nationally important artworks by local artists and an extensive costume collection. The museum has a Local Studies Library.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

===Leisure and recreation===
There are two main parks in Farnham town centre: Farnham Park and Gostrey Meadow. Farnham Park is adjacent to Farnham Castle. Gostrey Meadow is in the centre of Farnham, next to the river Wey, and includes a fenced children's play area. There is a skate park and leisure centre next to the town centre.

===Hospital===
[[Farnham Hospital]] is directly north east of the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhs.uk/Services/hospitals/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=131|title=Farnham Hospital|publisher=NHS|access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> It was once the main hospital in the area, including [[accident and emergency]] services, but that role is now taken by [[Frimley Park Hospital]].<ref name="fnch">{{cite web|url=http://www.lof-fhch.co.uk/2.html|title=Friends of Farnham Hospital and Centre for Health|access-date=18 October 2013|archive-date=24 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024060933/http://www.lof-fhch.co.uk/2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Farnham once had a second hospital which was at the end of Bardsley Drive, on the site which is now Lynton Close.<ref>{{cite book|title=OS 7 Series|date=c. 1960|publisher=Ordnance Survey |location= Southampton |edition= 7th }}</ref>

===Cemeteries===
The town has four cemeteries, all maintained by Farnham Town Council: Hale Cemetery in Upper Hale; Badshot Lea Cemetery on Badshot Lea Road; [[Green Lane Cemetery, Farnham|Green Lane Cemetery]] and the [[West Street Cemetery]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.farnham.gov.uk/services/cemeteries/wargraves |title=Visiting our Cemeteries - Farnham Town Council website |access-date=21 July 2019 |archive-date=21 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721100226/https://www.farnham.gov.uk/services/cemeteries/wargraves |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Tourism==
The town has a number of attractive houses from various periods, and many passages which reveal hidden parts of the town including old workshops, historic cottages and hidden gardens. Farnham Castle was built by the [[Normans]] and updated over the years as the [[Palace]] of the Bishops of Winchester. The former Bishops' Palace of the castle is now a training and conference centre,<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamcastle.com/Conferences
|title=Home - Meetings
|access-date=3 August 2011
|archive-date=3 October 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003000913/http://www.farnhamcastle.com/Conferences
|url-status=live
}}</ref> which also manages the keep, recently made more accessible by a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant.<ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.hlf.org.uk/news/Pages/Farnhamcastle.aspx
 |title       = Farnham Castle to be restored
 |date        = 25 September 2009
 |access-date  = 3 August 2011
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927162245/http://www.hlf.org.uk/news/Pages/Farnhamcastle.aspx
 |archive-date = 27 September 2011
 |df          = dmy-all
}}
</ref>  The keep is open to the public, and organised tours of the palace are held weekly.<ref>
{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhamcastle.com/top-history/visit-farnham-castle
 |title=Visit Farnham Castle
 |access-date=3 August 2011
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003000906/http://www.farnhamcastle.com/top-history/visit-farnham-castle
 |archive-date=3 October 2011
}}
</ref>

Many of the places mentioned in the books of [[George Sturt]] can be seen, and Waverley Abbey, the first [[Cistercian]] Abbey in England, is open to the public. Farnham borders the [[Surrey Hills National Landscape]] and the [[North Downs Way]] long-distance path starts here. [[Alice Holt Forest]] is nearby, as are [[Frensham Ponds]] and many [[Heath (habitat)|heaths]] and [[downland]] scenery. The [[Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford|Rural Life Living Museum]] is nearby at Tilford, and the town is a suitable tourist base for Winchester, the [[Mid-Hants Railway]] and canal trips on the [[Basingstoke Canal]] and [[Wey Navigation]].

==Culture==
Farnham has a strong association with the creative arts.<ref>"A Sketch History of Art in Farnham" by Robin Radley (published by Farnham Castle Newspapers, undated)</ref><ref>[http://www.farnhamart.org/ Farnham Art Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080426061601/http://www.farnhamart.org/ |date=26 April 2008 }}, founded in 1944</ref> [[Farnham School of Art]] opened in 1866 and was associated with the [[Arts and Crafts movement]] when architects such as [[Edwin Lutyens]] and [[Harold Falkner]], painters such as [[George Frederic Watts|George Watts]] and [[William Herbert Allen|W. H. Allen]], potters such as [[Mary Fraser Tytler|Mary Watts]] and landscape gardeners such as [[Gertrude Jekyll]] worked in the area. Farnham has several art galleries: the New Ashgate Gallery in Lower Church Lane has exhibitions by established and new artists in a variety of media, the exhibition changing on the first Saturday of each month. The gallery at Farnham Maltings also has frequent exhibitions.

===Entertainment===
[[Farnham maltings|Farnham Maltings]] has diverse concerts including [[opera]], [[Folk music|folk]] and [[acoustic music|acoustic music gigs]], band evenings and [[stand up comedy]] nights, as well as shows and workshops for younger people. There is a [[film|cinema]] run every Wednesday at the Maltings. The Maltings hosts an "Acoustic Fridays" evening once a month. A regular [[blues]] night takes place in the "Cellar Bar" and the whole venue is taken over for the annual Blues Festival. In keeping with the town's historical link with hop-growing and beer, the Farnham Maltings holds the [[Farnham Beer Exhibition]], an annual event that started in 1977, known as “Farnham Beerex”.<ref name=beerex>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamlions.org.uk/fundraising/farnhambeerex.html
|title=Farnham Beerex
|publisher=Lions club of Farnham
|year=2011
|access-date=18 February 2012
|archive-date=14 April 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414182648/http://www.farnhamlions.org.uk/fundraising/farnhambeerex.html
|url-status=live
}}</ref> There are many pubs in Farnham, many of which have live music regularly.

Farnham has an annual carnival, usually held on the last Saturday in June, organised by two charitable [[service organisation]]s, the Farnham [[Lions Club]] and The Hedgehogs.<ref name=Farnham_carnival>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamlions.org.uk/community/farnhamcarnival.html
|title=Farnham Carnival - Always held on the Last Saturday of June
|publisher=Lions club of Farnham
|access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref> Castle Street is closed for the evening, with bands playing on a stage in the street, a [[beer tent]], [[barbecue]], and sideshows. A procession of [[Float (parade)|carnival floats]], [[marching band]]s, [[tableau vivant|tableaux]], [[Float (parade)|trade floats]] and classic vehicles parade through the main streets of the town. Local schools also participate in the parade, which has a different theme each year. Staff of the local Kar Ling Kwong Chinese restaurant traditionally perform the [[Lion Dance]] each year as part of the parade, the restaurant closed in February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=End of dynasty as Chinese restaurant closes|url=http://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=134157&headline=End%20of%20dynasty%20as%20Chinese%20restaurant%20closes&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2019|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Farnham Herald|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215942/https://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=134157&headline=End+of+dynasty+as+Chinese+restaurant+closes&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2019|url-status=live}}</ref> There is also a smaller Hale Carnival which takes place in the village of [[Hale, Surrey|Hale]] in the North of Farnham. This is usually held on the first Saturday of July.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.farnham.gov.uk/visit/arts-culture/carnivals.html |title=Carnivals |publisher=Farnham Online |access-date=27 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308102949/http://www.farnham.gov.uk/visit/arts-culture/carnivals.html |archive-date=8 March 2012 }}</ref>

===The arts===
[[William Herbert Allen]], the notable English landscape watercolour artist, lived and worked in Farnham for most of his career. He was Master of Farnham Art School from 1889 to 1927 and many of his works depict landscapes of the Farnham area.<ref name=WHAllen>{{cite web|url=http://www3.hants.gov.uk/allen-gallery/w-h-allen.htm |title=W H Allen 1863–1943 |publisher=[[Hampshire County Council]] |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=23 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113152831/http://www3.hants.gov.uk/allen-gallery/w-h-allen.htm |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref> Illustrator [[Pauline Baynes]] spent much of her childhood in Farnham and trained at the Farnham School of Art.<ref name=Baynes>{{cite web
|url=http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2124851_farnham_artists_tolkien_and_narnia_work_on_display
|title=Farnham artist's Tolkien and Narnia work on display
|publisher=Get Surrey
|date=28 November 2012
|access-date=25 May 2013
|archive-date=30 November 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130165804/http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2124851_farnham_artists_tolkien_and_narnia_work_on_display
|url-status=live
}}</ref> A popular fantasy artist, [[Josephine Wall]], was born and educated in the town.<ref name=Wall>{{cite web|url=http://www.josephinewall.co.uk/about_jo.html|title=About Jo|publisher=Josephine Wall|access-date=23 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311102922/http://www.josephinewall.co.uk/about_jo.html|archive-date=11 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Since Roman times the [[weald]]en clay of the area has been exploited for pottery and brickmaking. Pottery continued on a small-scale commercial basis until the closure of [[Farnham Pottery]] at Wrecclesham in 1998, when it passed to the Farnham Buildings Preservation Trust. Farnham Pottery, in addition to utility wares, became famous during the [[Arts and Crafts movement]] for their decorative wares, either hand-thrown or moulded and decorated in a variety of coloured glazes, particularly "Farnham Greenware".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.farnham.gov.uk/visit/history-heritage/museum-of-farnham.html |title=Museum of Farnham: Farnham Online |publisher=Museum of Farnham |date=4 November 2009 |access-date=25 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323020028/http://www.farnham.gov.uk/visit/history-heritage/museum-of-farnham.html |archive-date=23 March 2012 }}</ref> There was close co-operation between the pottery and [[Farnham School of Art]] (now a campus of [[University for the Creative Arts]]).

The Castle Theatre in Castle Street was replaced by the [[Redgrave Theatre, Farnham|Redgrave Theatre]] in 1974 which, itself, closed down in 1998 due to the decline of repertory theatre in England.<ref name=Redgrave>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/redgraves-in-lastditch-fight-to-save-their-theatre-430114.html|title=Redgraves in last-ditch fight to save their theatre|date=29 December 2006|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|author=Sara Newman|access-date=3 April 2012|archive-date=10 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210135916/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/redgraves-in-lastditch-fight-to-save-their-theatre-430114.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998 'The New Farnham Repertory Company', now renamed Farnham Rep, was formed to carry on the tradition of repertory theatre in the town. The Farnham Theatre Association campaigns for a theatre in Farnham, either in the form of a restored Redgrave Theatre or a new building.<ref name=FarnhamRep>{{cite web|url=http://www.newfarnhamrep.co.uk/about/|title=About Farnham Rep|publisher=Farnham Rep|access-date=4 April 2012|archive-date=28 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728091008/http://newfarnhamrep.co.uk/about/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====The Maltings====
[[File:Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey - geograph.org.uk - 1202359.jpg|thumb|The Maltings creative arts centre on the River Wey and Bridge Square, Farnham]]
Productions still regularly take place at the Maltings, which produces work and receives touring shows. Productions are occasionally held in the grounds of Farnham Library. Various genres of music are promoted at the Maltings, where there is a dance studio. The Maltings is a creative arts centre, catering for all ages, with workshops, clubs, groups and sessions involved in craft, theatre, music and writing, including [[Rock Choir]], amongst others.{{citation needed|date=February 2014}}

====The New Ashgate Gallery====
The New Ashgate Gallery is a non-profit, educational charity based in Farnham. It specialises in [[contemporary art]] and [[craft]], organising a programme of exhibitions and projects with artists and makers. Established in 1959, the gallery is the longest running craft space in South of England and<ref name="newashgate">http://www.newashgate.org.uk {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126172830/https://www.newashgate.org.uk/ |date=26 November 2020 }} New Ashgate Gallery</ref> was the first provincial gallery to showcase both local and international artists.<ref>Mornement, C. Craft Galleries Guide: Applied Arts Galleries Throughout the UK with Guest Galleries from Australia, 2011, {{ISBN|0-9550026-8-0}}</ref> Architect Paul Archer designed a quarter-million pound redevelopment for the Gallery that was finished in 2004.<ref>http://www.paularcherdesign.co.uk/noscript/project.cfm?id=30{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The gallery organises established platforms to present new work through exhibitions projects such as the ''Surrey Artist of the Year'' competition, organised with the Surrey Open Studios, the Hothouse, an early career maker support programme with the Crafts Council, and the annual, open call ''Rising Stars'' touring exhibition that provides information, guidance, networking and exhibition opportunities to emerging and graduating artists from the UK and internationally.<ref>Ely, P, Cambell, F. ''Higher Education, Stimulating Creative Enterprise'', University for the Creative Arts, 2011, {{ISBN|0-9564160-5-5}}</ref>

====Peter Pan====
It was in Farnham, whilst living at Black Lake Cottage, a remote woodland retreat near Tilford, that [[J. M. Barrie]] was inspired to write ''[[Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up|Peter Pan]]''.<ref name=barrie>{{cite web|url=http://www.heureka.clara.net/surrey-hants/surrey-writers.htm|title=Surrey Writers|author=Keith Parkins|date=March 2009|access-date=3 April 2012}}</ref>

'''Bourne Wood'''

The nearby [[Bourne Wood]] is a popular film location appearing in [[Gladiator (2000 film)|Gladiator]], [[Thor: The Dark World]] and [[Wonder Woman (2017 film)|Wonder Woman]].

==Education==
Farnham has a broad mix of [[State school|state]], [[Faith school|religious]] and [[Private schools in the United Kingdom|private]] schools. There are eight infant schools, nine primary/junior schools, three secondary schools and two schools for pupils with special educational needs.<ref name=farnham_comm>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhamcommunity.org.uk/facilities/education/schools/primary.asp
 |title=Primary schools in Farnham
 |publisher=Farnham community
 |access-date=11 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127043835/http://www.farnhamcommunity.org.uk/facilities/education/schools/primary.asp
 |archive-date=27 January 2012
 }}</ref>
There are also four independent schools in the Farnham area.<ref name=ISC>{{cite web
|url=http://www.isc.co.uk/isc_Surrey_Farnham.htm
|title=Independent Private Schools in Farnham
|publisher=Independent schools council
|access-date=11 February 2012
|archive-date=22 January 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215947/https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/england/surrey/farnham/
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

[[Farnham College]] (part of [[Guildford College]]) provides further education. The [[University for the Creative Arts]] at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester or UCA (a merger of the local [[Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College]] and [[Kent Institute of Art & Design]]) provides higher education.

The area includes some of the top state schools (academies) in the country including [[South Farnham School]], [[Weydon School]] and many others who consistently rank highly in school results year on year including South Farnham which has, more than once, been rated the best state primary school in the country based on exam results.<ref name=schools_2018>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=124658&headline=Schools%20rank%20highly%20in%20Times%E2%80%99%20best%20guide&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017
 |title=Schools rank highly in Times' best guide
 |publisher=Farnham Hearald
 |access-date=30 March 2018
 |archive-date=22 January 2021
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215942/https://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=124658&headline=Schools+rank+highly+in+Times%E2%80%99+best+guide&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017
 |url-status=live
 }}</ref>
<ref name=schools_ranking_2016>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=116753&headline=Primary%20schools%20ranked%20in%20top%20seven%20per%20cent&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017
 |title=Primary schools ranked in top seven per cent
 |publisher=Farnham Hearald
 |access-date=30 March 2018
 |archive-date=22 January 2021
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215943/https://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=116753&headline=Primary+schools+ranked+in+top+seven+per+cent&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017
 |url-status=live
 }}</ref>
<ref name=schools_ranking_2017>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=114944&headline=Schools%20make%20it%20to%20Times%E2%80%99%20top%20100%20list&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2016
 |title=Schools make it to Times' top 100 list
 |publisher=Farnham Hearald
 |access-date=30 March 2018
 |archive-date=22 January 2021
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122215943/https://www.farnhamherald.com/article.cfm?id=114944&headline=Schools+make+it+to+Times%E2%80%99+top+100+list&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2016
 |url-status=live
 }}</ref>

[[Farnham Grammar School]] was created some time before 1585 (when a donation by a Richard Searle was recorded<ref name=Fham_coll_hist>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnham.ac.uk/TheCollege/HistoryOfFarnhamCollege.aspx
|title=History of Farnham College
|year=2010
|publisher=Farnham College
|access-date=11 February 2012
|archive-date=8 March 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308092233/http://www.farnham.ac.uk/TheCollege/HistoryOfFarnhamCollege.aspx
|url-status=live
}}</ref> "to the maintenance of the school in Farnham").<ref name=farnhamians>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamians.org/ofa/BriefHist.htm
|title=History of Farnham Grammar School
|publisher=Old Farnhamians' Association
|access-date=11 February 2012}}</ref> In 1905 the town centre assets of the old grammar school, located in West Street, were sold in order to purchase and build new premises in fields to the south of the town.<ref name=farnhamians /> In 1973 this campus became a [[Sixth Form College]] and was renamed Farnham College.<ref name=Fham_coll_hist />

==Sport==
[[File:Farnham cricket1.jpg|thumb|Cricket is played in the ground north of [[Farnham Castle]]]]
There are various sporting facilities in Farnham of which the local [[leisure centre]] is one. The centre is run by [[D C Leisure Management|DC Leisure]] on behalf of Waverley borough council.<ref name=DC>{{cite web
 |url        = http://www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/Centres/Surrey/Farnham+Leisure+Centre/Farnham+Leisure+Centre
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101224220634/http://dcleisurecentres.co.uk/Centres/Surrey/Farnham+Leisure+Centre/Farnham+Leisure+Centre
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-date = 24 December 2010
 |title      = Farnham Leisure centre
 |publisher  = DC Leisure
 |access-date = 11 February 2012
}}</ref> The leisure centre was built in 1981 with a swimming pool and training pool, gym and main hall for team sports. The entire centre was refurbished in 2010, during which the swimming pool was lengthened by four centimetres to exactly 25 metres to allow galas to be held.<ref name=reopening>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2080875_farnham_leisure_centre_back_up_and_running
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420035650/http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2080875_farnham_leisure_centre_back_up_and_running
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=20 April 2013
 |title=Farnham Leisure Centre back up and running
 |author=Laura Nightingale
 |date=22 October 2010
 |publisher=Surrey & Berkshire media
 |access-date=11 February 2012
}}</ref>

The town is represented in the non-league football pyramid by [[Farnham Town F.C.]], who compete in the premier division of the [[Combined Counties League]].<ref name=CCL>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.combinedcountiesleague.co.uk/farnhamtown.htm
 |title=FARNHAM TOWN
 |publisher=Combined Counties Football League
 |access-date=11 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802063533/http://www.combinedcountiesleague.co.uk/farnhamtown.htm
 |archive-date=2 August 2010
 }}</ref> There is a second football club, Farnham United FC which has several youth teams as well one adult team, Farnham United.<ref name=FU>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamunitedfc.co.uk/club/Home
|title=Farnham United home page
|publisher=Farnham United Football Club
|access-date=11 February 2012}}</ref>

Farnham Swimming Club (FSC) was established in 1893 and is based at the Farnham leisure centre. The club is a member of Swim England and competes in the National, Regional and County Championships.

Farnham Cricket Club was established in 1782, originally playing in [[Holt Pound]].<ref name=cricketclub>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamcc.co.uk/history.html
|title=Farnham Cricket Club - History
|publisher=Farnham Cricket Club
|access-date=11 February 2012
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218155328/http://www.farnhamcc.co.uk/history.html
|archive-date=18 February 2012
}}</ref> The current ground is at the edge of Farnham Park near the former moat of the castle.<ref name=cricketclub />

Farnham RUFC is based in Wilkinson Way. Farnham Archers have a ground in [[Elstead]].

The Farnham and Aldershot hockey club runs six senior men's teams, four senior women's teams who play in the South, Hampshire and Surrey leagues.<ref name="F&A">{{cite web
|url=http://www.afhockey.com/
|title=Aldershot and Farnham Hockey club
|publisher=Aldershot and Farnham Hockey club
|access-date=12 February 2012}}</ref> [[Floorball|Floorball hockey]] is regularly played by the adult team Southern Vipers FBC.<ref name=vipers>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.southernvipers.com/vipers.htm
 |title=About the Vipers
 |publisher=Southern Vipers Floorball Club
 |access-date=12 February 2012
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322005140/http://www.southernvipers.com/vipers.htm
 |archive-date=22 March 2012
 }}</ref>

Farnham has a public [[golf course]] which is next to the cricket ground directly behind [[Farnham Castle]]. It was designed by Sir [[Henry Cotton (golfer)|Henry Cotton]].<ref name=golfcourse>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamparkgolf.com/
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613014334/http://www.farnhamparkgolf.com/aboutus.php
|archive-date=13 June 2008
|title=Farnham Park Golf Course, Surrey - About us
|year=2007
|url-status=usurped
|access-date=12 February 2012}}</ref> It is a nine-hole, par-three golf course.<ref name=golfcourse />

[[FIA Formula 2 Championship|Formula 2]] and [[FIA Formula 3 Championship|Formula 3]]<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date= 2025|title= Teams|url= https://www.rodinmotorsport.com/teams|website= Rodin Motorsport|location= |publisher= |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> team [[Rodin Motorsport]] (formerly [[Carlin Motorsport]]) are based in the town.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date= |title= Rodin Motorsport|url= https://www.gb-3.net/teams/2025/rodin-motorsport|website= [[GB3 Championship]]|location= |publisher= [[Motorsport Vision]]|access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> Carlin won the [[2018 Formula 2 Championship|2018]] [[Formula 2|F2]] Teams' Championship with current [[McLaren]] Formula 1 driver [[Lando Norris]] and  former [[Formula E]] driver [[Sérgio Sette Câmara]].<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date= |title= Standings Formula 2 2018|url= https://www.fiaformula2.com/Standings/Team?seasonId=175|website= [[FIA Formula 2]]|location= |publisher= |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>

==Demography and housing==
In 1901, the population of Farnham was about 14,000. Since the end of the [[World War II|Second World War]], Farnham has expanded from a population of about 20,000 to 39,488; about 16,500 people live in the town centre (as distinct from the town centre [[conservation area]]), while the remaining inhabitants live in the suburbs and villages within the town's administrative boundaries.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+ '''2011 Census Homes'''
|-
!Output area !!Detached  !!Semi-detached!!Terraced!!Flats and apartments!!Caravans/temporary/mobile homes!!shared between households<ref name=ons/>
|-
|(Civil parish)||6,689	||	4,299	||	2,568	||	2,467	||	20	||	7
|}
The average level of accommodation in the region composed of detached houses was 28%, the average that was apartments was 22.6%.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+ '''2011 Census Key Statistics'''
|-
!Output area !!Population !!Households !!% Owned outright !!% Owned with a loan!!hectares<ref name=ons/>
|-
|(Civil parish)||39,488||16,050||	37.0%	||37.6%||3,652
|}

The proportion of households in the civil parish who owned their home outright compares to the regional average of 35.1%. The proportion who owned their home with a loan compares to the regional average of 32.5%. The remaining % is made up of rented dwellings (plus a negligible % of households living rent-free).

==Governance==
[[File:Council Offices, Farnham.jpg|thumb|[[Farnham Town Hall]] in South Street]]
Farnham is represented by councillors at a county, district and town level. Farnham is represented at [[Surrey County Council]] by three councillors from three county council wards: Farnham Central, Farnham North and Farnham South.<ref name=council_wards>{{cite web
 |url=http://online.surreycc.gov.uk/members/membook.nsf/webSelectMember?openform
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317084338/http://online.surreycc.gov.uk/members/membook.nsf/webSelectMember?openform
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=17 March 2011
 |title=Surrey's County councillors
 |date=11 February 2012
 |author=Web Operations Team
 |publisher=Surrey County Council
 |access-date=11 February 2012
 }}</ref> As of the 2021 election, all three of the sitting county councillors are members of the Farnham Residents party.<ref>{{Cite web | title=County Council Election 2021 - Thursday, 6 May 2021 | date=6 May 2021 | url=https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/mgElectionResults.aspx?ID=16&V=1&RPID=52001957 | accessdate=15 October 2021 }}</ref>

As the town with the largest population in [[Waverley (district)|Waverley]],<ref name=census_farnham>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.waverley.gov.uk/info/367/census_information/315/farnham_2001_census_information
 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20111003173739/http://www.waverley.gov.uk/info/367/census_information/315/farnham_2001_census_information
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=3 October 2011
 |title=Farnham 2001 Census Information
 |author=Jennie Falconer
 |publisher=Waverley borough council
 |date=14 December 2010
 |access-date=11 February 2012
}}</ref> Farnham has nine wards, and is represented by eighteen councillors at Waverley Borough Council. As of the 2019 election, 15 councillors represent the Farnham Residents party, two represent the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], and one represents the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://modgov.waverley.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0|title=Your Councillors by Ward|publisher=Waverley Borough Council|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910193125/https://modgov.waverley.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Media==
The ''Farnham Herald'' is the only newspaper exclusively for Farnham; established by E.W. Langham in 1892 and bought by the [[Tindle Newspaper Group]] in 1967.<ref name=herald_hist>{{cite web
|url=http://www.farnhamherald.com/about.cfm
|title=Herald Newspapers - A Short History
|publisher=Farnham Herald
|access-date=11 February 2012
|archive-date=20 February 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220073403/http://www.farnhamherald.com/about.cfm
|url-status=live
}}</ref> Farnham is also covered by ''Ash & Farnham News & Mail'', which is published by [[Trinity Mirror]].<ref name=Mirror>{{cite web
|url=http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/advertising/s/2088585_trinity_mirror_southern_advertiser_terms_and_conditions
|title=Trinity Mirror Southern advertiser terms and conditions
|date=2 March 2011
|publisher=Trinity Mirror Southern
|access-date=11 February 2012
|archive-date=5 July 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705021925/http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/advertising/s/2088585_trinity_mirror_southern_advertiser_terms_and_conditions
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

==Parks and open spaces==
===Gostrey Meadow===
[[File:Footbridge over River Wey (North Branch), Gostrey Meadow, Farnham, Surrey.jpg|thumb|Footbridge over the River Wey, Gostrey Meadow]]
Until the late 17th century, Gostrey Meadow was part of a larger area of land owned by the Bush Hotel. The estate became progressively fragmented as building plots were sold and by 1900, the meadow was being used as an illegal rubbish dump. The {{cvt|4|acre|ha|adj=on}} site was purchased by the UDC in 1909 and repurposed as a public park.<ref>{{harvnb|Ewbank Smith|1979|pp=135–136}}</ref> The area was landscaped and the ground flattened.<ref>{{harvnb|Ewbank Smith|1979|pp=146, 171}}</ref> The drinking fountain was installed in 1911 and, the following year, the public shelter and wooden bridge over the Wey were opened.<ref>{{harvnb|Ewbank Smith|1979|pp=175, 186}}</ref> The war memorial at the east end of the meadow was designed by the architect, W. C. Watson, in [[Portland stone]] and was dedicated in April 1921.<ref>{{cite web |title= Farnham Memorial |date= 8 January 2020 |publisher= Imperial War Museums |url= https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/23581 |access-date= 26 April 2023 |archive-date= 10 November 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221110212229/https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/23581 |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Farnham Park===
The area now known as Farnham Park was created for [[William of Wykeham|Bishop William of Wykeham]] in 1376 and was initially known as the New or Little Park. Like the larger Old or Great Park to the west, it was used as a [[deer park (England)|deer park]] for Farnham Castle. By 1690, the Great Park was being used as farmland, but the Little Park was used for intended purpose until the late 18th century. Under [[Brownlow North|Bishop Brownlow North]] in the early 19th century, the park was landscaped with the addition of walkways and planting of new trees.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1001499|desc=Farnham Park|grade=II|fewer-links=yes}}</ref> {{cvt|295|acre|ha}} were offered for sale to the borough in 1928 and the purchase was completed in July the following year.<ref>{{harvnb|Ewbank Smith|1983|pp=120, 133}}</ref>

===Tice's Meadow, Badshot Lea===
The {{cvt|55|ha|acre|adj=on}} Tice's Meadow at Badshot Lea was previously a former quarry, operated by [[Heidelberg Materials UK|Hanson plc]]. Sand and gravel extraction ended in 2010 and the site was redeveloped as a community nature reserve. A formal opening ceremony took place in May 2018, following the installation of two new footbridges over the River Blackwater.<ref>{{cite web |date= 8 May 2018 |title= Tice's Meadow nature reserve opened |publisher= Hanson |url= https://www.hanson.co.uk/en/about-us/news-and-events/tices-meadow-nature-reserve-opened |access-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-date= 30 March 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230330121603/https://www.hanson.co.uk/en/about-us/news-and-events/tices-meadow-nature-reserve-opened |url-status= live }}</ref> Tice's Meadow was purchased by Surrey County Council in 2021, supported by funding from five other local councils.<ref name=McCrum_2021>{{cite news |last= McCrum |first= Kirstie |date= 23 December 2021 |orig-date= 16 December 2021 |title= Nature reserve saved as it's bought up by six councils to preserve grass and wetlands in Farnham |work= Surrey Live |url= https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/nature-reserve-bought-up-six-22483067 |access-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230428110408/https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/nature-reserve-bought-up-six-22483067 |url-status= live }}</ref> The reserve features areas of open water, exposed gravel islands, seedbeds and woodlands. It provides a habitat for bird species, including [[common reed warbler|reed warblers]] and [[sand martin]]s,<ref>{{cite web |title= Site details |date= 22 February 2023 |publisher= Surrey County Council |url= https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/countryside/sites/visitor-information/tices-meadow#section-2 |access-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230428110400/https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/countryside/sites/visitor-information/tices-meadow#section-2 |url-status= live }}</ref> and has been designated a [[Site of Nature Conservation Interest]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Environmental designations of Tice's Meadow and what they mean |date= 22 February 2023 |publisher= Surrey County Council |url= https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/countryside/sites/visitor-information/tices-meadow#section-3 |access-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230428110400/https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/countryside/sites/visitor-information/tices-meadow#section-3 |url-status= live }}</ref> In November 2022, the Tice's Meadow Bird Group was given a National Biodiversity Network award for its work in surveying and recording bird species at the site.<ref>{{cite news |last= Gee |first= Daniel |date= 28 November 2022 |title= Tice's Meadow Bird Group flies off with national biodiversity award |work= Farnham Herald |url= https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/environment/tices-meadow-bird-group-flies-off-with-national-biodiversity-award-574418 |access-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-date= 28 April 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230428110400/https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/environment/tices-meadow-bird-group-flies-off-with-national-biodiversity-award-574418 |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{more references|section|date=August 2024}}
[[File:SpeedyKnight.jpg|thumb|[[John Henry Knight (inventor)|John Henry Knight]] with his car ]]
In addition to those mentioned in the text above, notable people born in Farnham include:

*[[William Willett]], campaigner for [[daylight saving time]] (1856)
*[[George Sturt]], writer and social historian (1863)
*[[Maud Gonne]], feminist and activist in [[Ireland|Irish]] politics (1866)
*[[John West (missionary)|John West]], prominent missionary to Canada(1778-1845) was born in Farnham
*[[Johann Abraham Nüske|John Abraham Nuske]], composer and guitarist, (1796–1865) was a "Printed Books and Music Seller" on West Street for at least 20 years during the mid-19th century
*[[Richard Tice]] (1964), Multi-millionaire businessman and deputy leader of [[Reform UK]], serving as an MP in [[Boston and Skegness]].

Notable Farnham residents include:

*[[John Verney (author)]], decorated war hero, artist and architectural conservationist lived at Runwick House from 1944 to 1976, {{convert|2|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}} outside Farnham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.johnverney.com/ |title=Coffee with the Dustmen |access-date=24 December 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030045331/https://www.johnverney.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Anthony Faramus]], actor, author, hunt saboteur and concentration camp survivor lived in the town.
*[[John Henry Knight (inventor)|John Henry Knight]] (1847–1917), who built the first [[United Kingdom|British]] motor car and designed a number of innovative digging machines for use in hop fields, was born and brought up at [[Weybourne, Surrey|Weybourne]] on the outskirts of the town.
*Reveverend [[John Macleod Campbell Crum]], writer of the hymn ''Now the Green Blade Riseth'', was Rector of Farnham from 1913 to 1928, and his daughter [[Margaret Crum|Margaret]] was born in the town in 1921.
*Actor [[Jim Sturgess]] was raised in Farnham (1981-).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jimsturgessonline.com/?page_id=46 |title=Biography |publisher=Jim Sturgess Online |access-date=27 May 2013 |archive-date=25 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525075832/http://jimsturgessonline.com/?page_id=46 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*The British intelligence officer [[Christopher Steele]], known for compiling the controversial [[Steele dossier]], lives in Farnham with his family.<ref name="Mayer_3/12/2018">{{cite magazine |last=Mayer |first=Jane |title=Christopher Steele, the Man Behind the Trump Dossier |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |date=12 March 2018 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/12/christopher-steele-the-man-behind-the-trump-dossier |access-date=6 March 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319210321/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/12/christopher-steele-the-man-behind-the-trump-dossier|archivedate=19 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Edgar Mittelholzer]], Guyanese-born author, lived in Farnham after moving to England.<ref>{{cite web |title=Edgar Mittelholzer with Huw Wheldon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06d1b3y |website=History of the BBC |date=6 July 2018 |publisher=BBC |access-date=19 September 2024}}</ref>

===Actors and actresses===
*[[Gerald Flood]], stage, TV and film actor, lived in Farnham for most of his life; [[Lupino family|Peter Lupino]], a well-known [[West End theatre|West End]] actor of the 1930s and 40s, and member of the famous theatrical family, also lived for many years in Farnham, in Red Lion Lane and was a well-known local character in his retirement.
*Actor [[Bill Maynard]], the [[Carry On films|Carry On]] and [[Heartbeat (UK TV series)|Heartbeat]] actor, was born in the town.
*The actor [[Bill Wallis]] lived in the town and learned his trade on the stage of the Castle Theatre. 
*Opera singer Sir [[Peter Pears]] (1910–1986) was born in Farnham.
*[[Jessie Matthews]] (1907–1981), the actress, dancer, and singer of the 1930s to 1960s, lived in Weybourne.<ref>{{cite web |last= Bridgeman |first= Peter |date= 2 December 2021 |title= A celebration of great names |publisher= The Farnham Society |url= https://farnhamsociety.org.uk/famous-people/ |access-date= 9 August 2023 }}</ref>

===Notable sportspeople===
*Cricketer [[William Beldham|"Silver Billy" Beldham]] (1766-1862) was born on the outskirts of town, in [[Wrecclesham]]. He played in Farnham Cricket Club's first match, against [[Odiham]], when he was 16 years old{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}
*[[Graham Thorpe]] (1969-2024) England cricket captain, was born in Farnham and played at the Farnham cricket ground
*[[Mike Hawthorn]] (1929-1959), driving for [[Ferrari]], became the first British [[Formula One]] World Champion in 1958. His family moved to Farnham when he was two years old, so his father could be nearer to [[Brooklands]] race track
*[[Jonny Wilkinson]] (1979-) England's world-cup-winning kicker and former captain was born in [[Frimley]] and grew up in Farnham. Jonny, alongside England scrum half [[Peter Richards (rugby player)|Peter Richards]] (1978-) who was not born in Farnham, played for Farnham Rugby Football Club at mini level
*[[Joel Freeland]] (born 1987), international basketball player and NBA player for the [[Portland Trail Blazers]], worked in Farnham as a shelf-stacker for a supermarket<ref name=Freeland>{{cite news|url=http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/s/2123326_joel_freeland_recalls_farnham_roots_on_nba_debut|title=Joel Freeland recalls Farnham roots on NBA debut|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire mMedia|date=1 November 2012|access-date=10 November 2012|archive-date=6 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106011257/http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/s/2123326_joel_freeland_recalls_farnham_roots_on_nba_debut|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Tom Pollitt]] (1900–1979), first-class cricketer and Royal Air Force officer
*[[Gilbert White (British Army officer)|Gilbert White]] (1912–1977), first-class cricketer and British Army officer
*[[Fran Wilson]] (born 1991), England Women's Cricket Player was born in Farnham
*[[Lottie Woad]] (born 2004) amateur golfer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-12 |title=Farnham golfer Lottie Woad holds her own on Ladies European Tour debut in Madrid Open {{!}} farnhamherald.com |url=https://www.farnhamherald.com/sport/golf/farnham-golfer-lottie-woad-holds-her-own-on-ladies-european-tour-debut-in-madrid-open-547119 |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=Farnham Herald}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of places of worship in Waverley (borough)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last= Ewbank Smith |first= William |year= 1979 |title= Edwardian Farnham: The story of a Surrey town, 1900-1914 |publisher= Charles Hammick |location= Alton |isbn= 0-9068-5600-0}}
* {{cite book |last= Ewbank Smith |first= William |year= 1983|title= Farnham in war and peace |publisher= Phillimore |location= Chichester |isbn= 0-8503-3522-1}}
* {{cite book |last1= Gover |first1= J.E.B. |last2= Mawer |first2= A. |author-link2= Allen Mawer |last3= Stenton |first3= F.M. |author-link3= Frank Stenton |year= 1969 |title= The place-names of Surrey |location= Cambridge |publisher= Cambridge University Press }}
* {{cite book |last= Mills |first= A.D. |year= 2003 |title= Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names |publisher= Oxford University Press |location= Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-852758-9 }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Commons category|Farnham, Surrey}}
* [http://www.farnham.gov.uk/index.php Farnham Town Council]

{{Geographic location
|title     = Nearest Settlements
|Centre    = Farnham
|North     = [[Hale, Surrey|Hale]]
|Northeast = [[Badshot Lea]]<br />[[Aldershot]]
|East      = [[Runfold]]
|Southeast = [[Compton, Waverley|Compton]]<br />[[Tilford]]
|South     = across Lower Bourne, Farnham<br />[[Frensham]]
|Southwest = [[Wrecclesham]]<br />[[Bentley, Hampshire|Bentley]]
|West      = [[Dippenhall]]<br />[[Crondall]]
|Northwest = [[Ewshot]]
}}
{{Surrey}}
{{Waverley}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Farnham| ]]
[[Category:Market towns in Surrey]]
[[Category:Towns in Surrey]]