Guildford was founded in 1829 as one of the earliest settlements of the Swan River Colony.

During Captain Stirling's exploration for a suitable site to establish a colony on the western side of the Australian continent in the late 1820s, the exploration party of boats found a fresh water stream across the river from the site of Guildford which they called Success Hill.

[citation needed] A Guildford Town Trust was established in 1838, but ceased to function within a couple of years.

Alongside the library stands the town hall; behind this is the stables built for the councillors while attending meetings and as a depot for council equipment.

The roof still has its original shingles in place, though from the outside they have been covered by corrugated galvanised iron .