Fodor's Expert Review Guildhall
For centuries, this building has been the administrative and ceremonial base of the Corporation of London, the world's oldest continuously elected municipal governing authority (the Corporation still oversees The City's civic administration but now in a more modern building). Built between 1411 and 1440, it is The City's only surviving secular medieval building, and although it lost roofs to both the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of 1940, its Gothic Great Hall has remained intact. Adding to the Hall's period atmosphere are the colorful coats of arms and banners of the 110 city livery companies, descendants of medieval trade guilds, which still officially elect the Lord Mayor of London. These range from older companies originally formed by trades of yesteryear to new ones representing modern activities like information technology, along with several that remain eternally relevant (e.g., carpenters, upholsterers, and fishmongers).
The Hall has been the site of several historic... READ MORE
For centuries, this building has been the administrative and ceremonial base of the Corporation of London, the world's oldest continuously elected municipal governing authority (the Corporation still oversees The City's civic administration but now in a more modern building). Built between 1411 and 1440, it is The City's only surviving secular medieval building, and although it lost roofs to both the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of 1940, its Gothic Great Hall has remained intact. Adding to the Hall's period atmosphere are the colorful coats of arms and banners of the 110 city livery companies, descendants of medieval trade guilds, which still officially elect the Lord Mayor of London. These range from older companies originally formed by trades of yesteryear to new ones representing modern activities like information technology, along with several that remain eternally relevant (e.g., carpenters, upholsterers, and fishmongers).
The Hall has been the site of several historic trials, including that of the "Nine Days Queen" Lady Jane Grey in 1553 and the landmark Zong case (1783), which helped end Britain's involvement in the slave trade. Even more ancient are the 11th-century East and West Crypts, survivors of the original Saxon Hall and the largest remaining medieval crypts in London.
To the right of Guildhall Yard is the Guildhall Art Gallery, which includes portraits of notables, cityscapes, and a slightly cloying pre-Raphaelite section. The construction of the gallery in the 1980s led to the exciting discovery of London's only Roman amphitheater, which had lain undisturbed for more than 1,800 years. Visitors can walk through the excavation, although most of the artifacts are now at the Museum of London. There are monthly 75-minute guided tours on select Thursdays when the city council meets at 10:45 am (advance booking required); check the website for dates.
READ LESS
