50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings

A special Memorial Service is being held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings.

The Guildford pub bombings happened on 5th October 1974 when the IRA detonated two bombs at two pubs in Guildford.

Four soldiers and one civilian were killed. Sixty-five people were wounded.

Eleven people, the Guildford Four and Maguire Seven, were found guilty over the atrocity but their convictions were later quashed.

The service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford High Street, at 11.30am on Sunday 6th October.

The service will be led by Canon Simon Butler, Rector of Holy Trinity, Guildford. Canon Butler says, “This is an important moment of commemoration and remembrance in the life of both the families of those who were killed and the wider Guildford community. We are honoured to be able to host this special service which will both look back at the terrible events of that night, to honour those who died and those who continue to suffer as a result, and to provide an opportunity for our town, and the wider community of those affected, to dedicate ourselves to work together for peace, justice and reconciliation. The so-called Troubles in Northern Ireland have left a legacy that stretches much further afield than Ulster, and there remains unfinished business that may never be fully resolved. We hope our service will acknowledge the complexity of this reality, holding at its heart the innocent victims of these acts of terror.”

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE says:

“Having served as an Officer in the Territorial Army for nearly 20 years and being a member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, I understand how important it is to mark the 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings. The 5 October 1974 is a sad day etched in the memories of those who lost loved ones or were caught up in the tragic events of that day. This commemoration will provide space to pause and remember the five young people who died, the many injured, and the courageous work of the emergency services. The 5 October 1974 is a sad day etched in the memories of those who lost loved ones or were caught up in the tragic events of that day. This commemoration will provide space to pause and remember the five young people who died, the many injured, and the courageous work of the emergency services.”

The Bishop of Guildford, Rt Revd Andrew Watson, says, “The Guildford pub bombings were one of the darkest days in the history of our town, as five young people were brutally killed whilst enjoying a drink on a Saturday night, with life-changing injuries to many others. On the anniversary weekend of that terrible event, it will be good to gather at Holy Trinity Church to pray, to reflect, and to stand in support of those who still carry the scars fifty years on'”

The service will include familiar hymns, readings and contributions from family members, regimental associations, and a piped lament for those who have died. Everyone will be invited to renew their personal commitment to peace, justice and reconciliation.

The service will be live-streamed on Holy Trinity’s YouTube channel.

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