THE OGLETHORPE CONNECTION

The Friends of Oglethorpe is a voluntary organisation formed to foster friendship between the State of Georgia in general and the cities of Savannah and Augusta in particular.  Friends reflect the modern day link with one of Godalming’s most famous sons:-

General James Edward Oglethorpe

the local Member of Parliament who at the bidding of King George II, took the sailing ship Anne and 114 souls to found the colony of Georgia, in the Deep South, in 1733.

The Friends  welcome and host visitors from Georgia both as individuals and in groups who come to Godalming to seek the roots of their founder.  The Friends also arrange visits to Georgia, organise local events and liaise with the Parish Church in Cranham where he is buried. 

The Oglethorpe family home was Westbrook, now The Meath near Godalming Station, which can be visited by arrangement. More information about Oglethorpe is contained in Godalming Parish Church and in the Library in the Town Museum in Godalming High Street.