Godalming's early prosperity came from water power supplied by the River Wey and plentiful wool from the sheep folded on the high ground. Building stone was quarried from the surrounding hills, while timber came from the nearby Wealden forest. The town's position between London and Portsmouth also brought it wealth as did its many coaching inns. 'To any Godhelmian, past and present, this book is a must ... I commend it to you all ... Godalming Museum