Tuesley

Tuesley is a village to the north of the town of Godalming.

It lies within the Saxon district of Godalming (hundred), Surrey.

It is named for the Saxon war-god Tiw and literally translates as "Tiw's Clearing" ("Tīwes lēah"). It is presumed that this was a forested place like the rest of the area where the trees were cut and a temple to the god created. Sometime in 7th century, the temple was consecrated by Christians and a small chapel was erected.

Tuesley appears in Domesday Book of 1086 as "Tiwesle". It was held by Rannulf Flambard from William the Conqueror. Its domesday assets were: 1 hide; 1 plough. (It was a subsidiary manor of Godalming.) It rendered £2. [ [http://www.gwp.enta.net/surrnames.htm Surrey Domesday Book] ]

In 1220 the name was "Tiwerlei". At that time, mention was made of the chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, as the first church established in Godalming and it was known locally as "The Mother Church". By then, services were held only three times a year. A fair was held in the field on Lady Day until 1540. The foundations of the Minster were partly excavated in 1860. Ladywell Convent was built close to the site of the old chapel in 1956. Close by is Godalming College.

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