National Heritage Day: Make a right royal visit to Worcester's Guildhall

Follow in the footsteps of Her Majesty the Queen and King George III, and make your own pilgrimage to Worcester’s magnificent Guildhall on National Heritage Day (Sunday 11 September).
 
The history of the Guildhall will be brought to life with costumed characters and guided tours, as part of the Heritage Open Days campaign.
 
“I am really looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Guildhall on Sunday.  Many Worcester residents have never been inside to experience its magnificent paintings, chandeliers and rich history,” says the Mayor, Cllr Paul Denham.
 
“It’s well worth a visit – especially as it’s completely free!”
 
Cllr Andy Roberts will also be on hand to show visitors round the Guildhall’s treasures and to reveal secrets from the building’s fascinating past.
 
The Guildhall is a truly beautiful building which dates back to 1721 and has a fascinating history. It was once the seat of justice throughout the city and even housed a prison. Today it offers visitors a glimpse of Worcester’s rich and varied heritage
 
This is your opportunity to step back in history and visit the famous holding cells, used when the Guildhall originally housed the courts of justice. For many years, the Court Room witnessed scenes of high drama. Prisoners, many of whom were sentenced to death, were led up to it through a trap door in the middle of the floor, and once sentenced, were taken down again to await their fate.
 
There’s also a display of historic photos from the 1950’s, including some from Winston Churchill’s visit to Worcester (20 May 1950) to receive the Freedom of the City and 1950’s views of the High Street featuring M&S, The Golden Lion and Josiah Stallard & Sons.
 
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or which normally charge for admission.
 
The Guildhall, on the High Street, Worcester WR1 2EY will be open from 10.00am to 3.00pm on Sunday 11 September, with tours available between 10.30am and 2.00pm.