In the borough of Waverly, less than fifty miles southwest of London, is the ancient and beautiful town of Farnham. This city has a long history of human habitation thanks to its ecologically strategic location, surrounded by lush, fertile soil and pristine rivers and streams. With a temperate and dependable climate to boot, it is little wonder that the human history of Farnham dates back to the Stone Age. Tools made out of long-ago extinct animal bones have been uncovered in Farnham and fossils from the Bronze Age to the medieval times have been discovered and catalogued, making Farnham one of the most beloved cities among fans of archeology and anthropology. The famed Wilmer House is the home to many of the more remarkable artifacts found in Farnham throughout the centuries and it widely considered one of the most treasure-laden museums in all of England. The house itself is a remarkable relic, built in the 1700s out of ornately decorated bricks.
These days, however, Farnham is more than just a destination of choice for academic types. Ever since its inception Farnham has been a market town and, though the wares that are peddled these days are different than the wool and iron sold in years past, thousands of tourists and citizens still peruse the main thoroughfare each year. National chains like Argos, Colours, and W.H. Smith stand proudly around West Street but independent retailers from the 1800s can still be found around the city, such as Elphicks, Pullingers, and Rangers Furnishing. The Farnham Maltings is home to a more traditional market style where many older antiques, arts and crafts, and homemade treasures are peddled each Saturday. There is also another sizable Farmer's Market held each Sunday wherein food and festivities abound and a carnival atmosphere permeates throughout. In these locations you can find the "real" Farnham, with the local flavor heavily scattered throughout.
The Farnham Maltings is also the de facto home of much of Farnham's musical entertainment. Opera and Folk performances play regularly at the Maltings and the site also hosts many of the most popular stand-up comedians in the area. Wednesdays have been the traditional cinema night at the Maltings for many years, while "Acoustic Friday" has been a similarly popular monthly event that regularly draws musical and artistic types alike. A more inclusive event, though, would have to be the world-famous Farnham Beer Exhibition. Thanks to the many wildly popular pubs in Farnham, like The Plough and The Lamb, the bar following in Farnham is huge and the Beer Exhibition, one of the largest of its kind in all of Great Britain has proudly lets the world know this fact since 1977. Whether your interests lie in shopping, drinking, art, or history, the city of Farnham has more than enough to whet your appetite. Farnham has been inhabited ever since the dawn of man, but these days the city is arguably more appealing than ever, from its stunning architecture to its impressive festivals to its wonderful citizens.
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