Leicester Guildhall
Encyclopedia
The Guildhall in Leicester
is a Grade I listed timber framed building, with the earliest part dating from c1390. The Guildhall once acted as the town hall for the city until the current
one was commissioned in 1876.
Although some parts are earlier, the majority of the building dates from the 15th century. It's located in the old walled city, on a street now known as Guildhall Lane. It was used first as the meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi and then later for the more formal Corporation of Leicester. The hall was used for many purposes, including council meetings, feasts, as a courtroom, and the ultimatum given to the city during English civil war
was discussed and for theatrical performances.
. The Corporation of Leicester bought the Guildhall by the end of the 14th century.
During the English civil war
the Mayor and corporation received a demand from Prince Rupert for £2000. The decision was made at the Guildhall to offer a loan of £500 and made an appeal to King Charles I. In May 1645 the King in attempt to divert attention away from Oxford positioned an army of 6,000 men outside the city walls on 29 May 1645. Again important decisions regarding the fate of the city were to be decided in the Guildhall. On the 30th May 1645 the Royalist Army made demand after demand to the city, who played for time. In the end the Prince Rupert attacked at 3:00 pm. The City walls were breached, and the last stand made by the defenders outside the Guildhall and St Martins. The Royalists then entered the Guildhall looting the towns archives, and mace and seal. The Royalist victory was over turned a couple of weeks latter with the defeat at Naseby
.
Records also show that entertainment expenses were paid for such items as wine, beer for Oliver Cromwell
. Although this does not prove Oliver Cromwell
stayed at the Guildhall, it is highly probable that he visited several times. The coat of arms of King Charles I can be seen today inside the Mayor's Parlour.
It is reputed that William Shakespeare
appeared here. In recognition of this, the television company, Maya Vision, brought the Royal Shakespeare Company
to perform at the Guildhall as part of its 2003 series for the BBC, 'In Search of Shakespeare,' written and narrated by the historian, Michael Wood. Part of the Shakespeare legend is that Shakespeare first came across the tale of King Leir
whilst appearing at the Guildhall and this inspired him to write his own play King Lear
. There is, however, no actual evidence to support this, although the legend of King Leir
is associated with Leicester.
The Guildhall was retained in use until quite late. It was not until 1876 that the Corporation moved to the new Leicester Town Hall
. It was later used as a police station and school, before becoming a museum
. It is currently also used as a venue for musical performances.
The Guildhall is a Grade I Listed Building, and the surrounding area, also including the Cathedral of St Martin's
, is a conservation area
, one of three in Leicester.
. Members of the public can also investigate the ghostly goings on at the Guildhall as it has become a popular place for several paranormal companies who hold overnight events there.
Leicester
Leicester is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England, and the county town of Leicestershire. The city lies on the River Soar and at the edge of the National Forest...
is a Grade I listed timber framed building, with the earliest part dating from c1390. The Guildhall once acted as the town hall for the city until the current
Leicester Town Hall
Leicester Town Hall in the City centre of Leicester, England.Built between 1874 and 1876 in the Queen Anne Style by Francis Hames, it was built on the former cattle market. Before it was built the Guildhall acted as the town hall....
one was commissioned in 1876.
Although some parts are earlier, the majority of the building dates from the 15th century. It's located in the old walled city, on a street now known as Guildhall Lane. It was used first as the meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi and then later for the more formal Corporation of Leicester. The hall was used for many purposes, including council meetings, feasts, as a courtroom, and the ultimatum given to the city during English civil war
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
was discussed and for theatrical performances.
History
The Great Hall was built around 1390 as the meeting place of the Guild of Corpus Christi; the guild was a group of businessmen and gentry who had religious connections. The Guildhall was used for banquets, festivals, and as a home for a priest who prayed for the souls of Guild members in the nearby St Martin's ChurchLeicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Martin, Leicester is a Church of England cathedral in the English city of Leicester, and the seat of the Bishop of Leicester...
. The Corporation of Leicester bought the Guildhall by the end of the 14th century.
During the English civil war
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
the Mayor and corporation received a demand from Prince Rupert for £2000. The decision was made at the Guildhall to offer a loan of £500 and made an appeal to King Charles I. In May 1645 the King in attempt to divert attention away from Oxford positioned an army of 6,000 men outside the city walls on 29 May 1645. Again important decisions regarding the fate of the city were to be decided in the Guildhall. On the 30th May 1645 the Royalist Army made demand after demand to the city, who played for time. In the end the Prince Rupert attacked at 3:00 pm. The City walls were breached, and the last stand made by the defenders outside the Guildhall and St Martins. The Royalists then entered the Guildhall looting the towns archives, and mace and seal. The Royalist victory was over turned a couple of weeks latter with the defeat at Naseby
Battle of Naseby
The Battle of Naseby was the key battle of the first English Civil War. On 14 June 1645, the main army of King Charles I was destroyed by the Parliamentarian New Model Army commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell.-The Campaign:...
.
Records also show that entertainment expenses were paid for such items as wine, beer for Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....
. Although this does not prove Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....
stayed at the Guildhall, it is highly probable that he visited several times. The coat of arms of King Charles I can be seen today inside the Mayor's Parlour.
It is reputed that William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
appeared here. In recognition of this, the television company, Maya Vision, brought the Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Shakespeare Company
The Royal Shakespeare Company is a major British theatre company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The company employs 700 staff and produces around 20 productions a year from its home in Stratford-upon-Avon and plays regularly in London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and on tour across...
to perform at the Guildhall as part of its 2003 series for the BBC, 'In Search of Shakespeare,' written and narrated by the historian, Michael Wood. Part of the Shakespeare legend is that Shakespeare first came across the tale of King Leir
King Leir
King Leir is an anonymous Elizabethan play about the life of the ancient Celtic king Leir of Britain. It was published in 1605 but was entered into the Stationers' Register on 15 May 1594...
whilst appearing at the Guildhall and this inspired him to write his own play King Lear
King Lear
King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The title character descends into madness after foolishly disposing of his estate between two of his three daughters based on their flattery, bringing tragic consequences for all. The play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological...
. There is, however, no actual evidence to support this, although the legend of King Leir
King Leir
King Leir is an anonymous Elizabethan play about the life of the ancient Celtic king Leir of Britain. It was published in 1605 but was entered into the Stationers' Register on 15 May 1594...
is associated with Leicester.
The Guildhall was retained in use until quite late. It was not until 1876 that the Corporation moved to the new Leicester Town Hall
Leicester Town Hall
Leicester Town Hall in the City centre of Leicester, England.Built between 1874 and 1876 in the Queen Anne Style by Francis Hames, it was built on the former cattle market. Before it was built the Guildhall acted as the town hall....
. It was later used as a police station and school, before becoming a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
. It is currently also used as a venue for musical performances.
The Guildhall is a Grade I Listed Building, and the surrounding area, also including the Cathedral of St Martin's
Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Martin, Leicester is a Church of England cathedral in the English city of Leicester, and the seat of the Bishop of Leicester...
, is a conservation area
Conservation area
A conservation areas is a tract of land that has been awarded protected status in order to ensure that natural features, cultural heritage or biota are safeguarded...
, one of three in Leicester.
Ghosts
With five reported ghosts, the Guildhall is reputedly Leicester's most haunted building. Because of its reported hauntings, it has appeared on various TV programmes, including being investigated on the television show Most HauntedMost Haunted
Most Haunted is a British paranormal documentary reality television series. The series was first shown on 25 May 2002 and ended on 21 July 2010. It was broadcast on Living and presented by Yvette Fielding. The programme was based on investigating purported paranormal activity...
. Members of the public can also investigate the ghostly goings on at the Guildhall as it has become a popular place for several paranormal companies who hold overnight events there.