Heritage Open Days Special Guided Tour

 

A much-loved timber-framed landmark, Leicester Guildhall started life in 1390 when its Great Hall was built as a meeting place and banquet hall for the Guild of Corpus Christi. Over the next 600 years, it was extended and, amongst various uses, found a niche as the perfect host for performances and celebrations that provide a snapshot of English history.

When Elizabeth I’s navy defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Guildhall was the venue of choice for the city’s celebrations. The 16th century saw a rise in the popularity of theatre, and one of the great playwrights of the day, William Shakespeare, is believed to have performed at Leicester Guildhall. In 1632, it became the city library – now the third oldest in the country – and other roles included town hall, court, police station and jail.

 

For Heritage Open Days, the free Guided Tour will focus upon England's famous Bard and his connection to Leicester's iconic Guildhall.