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Bank of England | Charterhouse | Guildhall | Leadenhall Market | Lloyds of London | Mansion House | Roman London's Ampitheatre | Royal Exchange | St Bartholomew the Great Church | St Mary le Bow Church Cheapside | St Paul's Cathedral | Swiss Re Building - | The Tower Of London

Guildhall - The City of London

This beautiful mediaeval building is the administrative headquarters of the Corporation of the City of London. It stands on the site of the ancient Roman Ampitheatre, which has built by the Romans who founded Londinium, following their conquest of the local tribes in 55BC.  You can still see the location of the ampitheatre by following the large oval of white stone which is set into the paving stones of the courtyard in front of the Guildhall. 

A large part of the excavated Roman Ampitheatre is located under the Guildhall Art Gallery to the east of the Guildhall and this is also available for you to see.

Guildhall was originally built in Norman times in 1170, and the Crypt of the building which you now see still survives - it is the only Norman part still left. 

 

 Left: Guildhall - the Norman crypt - 
 Photo by SW

The remainder of the Great Hall was built in mediaeval times. After the Great Fire of London and the bombs of the Blitz during World War II the Guildhall has been magnificently restored to its full mediaeval glory. 

It is here that the Lord Mayor of London and the City Aldermen entertain the Queen to banquets, and visiting Heads of State and royalty. 

You can visit the Crypt and also the world famous Guildhall Library, the Clock Collection and the Guildhall Art Gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           

 

 

Left: Front of Guildhall
photo by SW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearest Tube Station: Bank (Central Line)


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