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Exeter Guildhall, Devon

The Exeter Guildhall has served as a seat of local government in Exeter for over eight hundred years. The local council meets here, and the building is still sometimes used as a magistrates court. It was as a court that Exeter Guildhall played an important role in the build up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. In February 1685 Charles II had died, and had been succeeded by his catholic brother James II. In that same year Charles II's illegitimate son, James Duke of Monmouth staged an attempted rebellion. Monmouth, a protestant, gambled on exploiting suspicions regarding James II's deeply unpopular catholic faith. Monmouth, however, was defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor near Bridgewater in Somerset. Captured rebels were then tried by Judge Jeffries at the Guildhall in Exeter.

 

The Guildhall can be visited free of charge, but being a working building access cannot always be guaranteed. Ring ahead for opening times, and to book guided tours.

Directions: The Guildhall is in Exeter's High Street, near the junction with North Street/South Street. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Exeter Guildhall.

Access: Visitors in wheelchairs will only be able to see the ground floor. Adapted toilet facilities are available.

Contact:

telephone 01392 665500 to arrange a tour.