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The Guildhall, London

The Guildhall in Gresham Street has been a centre of government for the City of London for over a thousand years. London was granted a charter of self government by William the Conqueror, and the City of London Corporation dates back to this time.

Most of the present Guildhall was built between 1411 and 1439, on the site of what had been an important meeting place since Roman times - excavations have found remains of a Roman amphitheatre underneath Guildhall Yard. Parts of the present building may date back to the thirteenth century. The Guildhall is now the only non-religious building in the City to date from before the Great Fire of 1666.

Government business is still carried out here. The election of the Lord Mayor of London, ceremonial head of the City of London, takes place every year, an event that dates from a charter granted to the City in 1215 by King John. This charter was granted in the same year as the famous Magna Carta, and the Guildhall as headquarters of the elective government of London represents a milestone in democratic government in Britain. The Lord Mayor's election is always followed by the Lord Mayor's Show, an event that has continued almost unbroken since 1215. For centuries Lord Mayor processions floated down the Thames, which gave rise to the term floats for the mobile displays that drive slowly down roads in processions today. In 1757 a drunken flower girl knocked the Lord Mayor off his horse, and ever since he has ridden in an extravagant coach, which when not being used in the show can be seen at the Museum of London. Every year in November the Lord Mayor's procession sets off from the Guildhall and ends at the Courts of Justice, where the Mayor swears allegiance to the sovereign. This ceremony seems to demonstrate deference to the crown, when in fact the Lord Mayor's position came out of moves to try and reduce King John's power in 1215.

For more details on the Lord Mayor' Show see the web site: www.lordmayorsshow.org

 

 

Opening Times: The Guildhall is open to the public when it is not being used. Generally all year 10am - 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. Open Sunday from first weekend in May to last weekend in September. Closed at times for events so please ring prior to your visit to check.

Address: Guildhall, Gresham Street, London EC2

Directions: The Guildhall is in Gresham Street in the City of London. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Guildhall.

Access: Access for wheelchair users is good, and adapted toilet facilities are available. Induction loops are available in all the major function rooms, except the crypt.

Contact:

web site: http://www.guildhall.cityoflondon.gov.uk/

telephone: 020 7606 3030 for general enquiries

telephone: 020 7332 3476 for tour enquiries

telephone: 020 7332 3700 for art gallery

telephone: 020 7332 1313 for venue hire

fax: 020 7332 1996

e-mail: guildhall.events@cityoflondon.gov.uk

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