Worcester Guildhall

The first guildhall on the site was a timber-framed structure constructed as a meeting place for local merchants in about 1227.[2] In 1717 civic leaders decided to replace the building with a grander structure.[3]

The current building, designed by Thomas White in the Queen Anne style, was completed in 1723.[1] The design involved a central bay and two wings with the central bay being flanked by two full-height Composite order columns with a pediment above displaying flute-playing cherubs and the Royal Arms.[1] At roof level, above the cornice, carved figures of Justice, Peace, Plenty, Chastisement and Hercules were erected together with four urns.[1] At ground floor level in the middle of the central bay was the main entrance which was flanked by Composite order columns with a fanlight and architrave above.[1] On either side of the entrance, statues of King Charles I and King Charles II were erected in niches; at first floor level, above the main entrance a statue of Queen Anne was erected, also in a niche.[1] Inside, a court room and a lower hall were established on the ground floor, and a council chamber and a large imposing assembly room were established on the first floor.[2] King George III described the assembly room as "a handsome gallery" when he visited it in August 1788.[4]

The building was used for cultural events: the Three Choirs Festival, which involved concerts given by the choirs of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, was regularly held there until the mid-18th century.[5] In the 18th century, Worcester also elected its members of Parliament at the Guildhall, a minimum requirement being that they should own freehold property worth 40 shillings a year; the decision was made by the loudest shouting rather than raising of hands.[6] The court room was used a facility for dispensing justice and accommodated the crown court and nisi prius court.[1] Citizens were given the privilege of being imprisoned underneath the Guildhall rather than in the town jail, except for the most serious offences.[6]

Sir Winston Churchill was presented with the Freedom of the City of Worcester at the Guildhall on 20 May 1950.[7] The Guildhall was the headquarters of the county borough of Worcester for much of the 20th century and, following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1972,[8] became the meeting place of enlarged Worcester City Council.[9] Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, attended a reception at the Guildhall in July 2012, before undertaking a walkabout outside the building.[4]

Works of art in the Guildhall include portraits by Christopher William Hunneman of King George III[10] and of his wife, Queen Charlotte[11] and a portrait by James Sant of Queen Victoria.[12]

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  The Assembly Room
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  The Lower Hall
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  The Council Chambers
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  The Court Room
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  The Mayors Parlour Room