Saint Matthew’s Church

The intriguing brick work and picturesque grounds surrounding Saint Matthew’s Church draws many visitors to the historic town of Guildford. The church now standing in Stirling Square was built in 1873, after its predecessor was destroyed in a hurricane.

Typical of English town planning during the colony period, impressive St Matthew’s Church is located in the exact centre of Guildford. It is today one of Western Australia’s best examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

Wander around the exterior of the large church and examine the bricks that were laid alternately lengthwise and pointing inwards to reinforce the structure. This was the third attempt at building the church and great care was taken to construct a sturdy building that would stand the test of time.

Explore the magnificently kept grounds of Saint Matthew’s which is extremely popular for weddings.

Saint Matthew’s features on the Stirling Square Circuit, one of four heritage walking trails that can be found in the Glorious Guildford brochure. Collect a copy from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre at the corner of Meadow and Swan Streets.

Initially established as the rural centre of the Swan River colony, Guildford is rich in history and has played a significant role in shaping Western Australia. Just 20 minutes drive east of Perth the historic town is also the gateway to the Swan Valley.