Friday 7 September 2012

The Guildhall - Lavenham Part 6

Away from generally wandering around Lavenham and homing in on some places of interest, the first being The Guildhall.
Built about 1530, it is one of four guildhalls that once existed in Lavenham. The Guildhall and the two adjoining buildings together form a section of an  early Tudor street.  




The building is now owned by The National Trust and the tearoom at one end is a rare example of a Tudor shop, goods being traded through the two arched windows, and the Guildhall itself demonstrates the skill of the late mediaeval carpenters and wood carvers.
The primary objects of Lavenham gilds were religious - they were not trade associations. The gilds were dissolved at the Reformation. During Queen Mary's reign, in 1555, prisoners were housed in the building and from 1596 to the late 1600s it was the Town Hall, afterwards becoming a prison which closed in 1787. Later, it served as a workhouse, an almshouse and, in  the 19th century, a wool store.


Let's go inside


and first down  into the cellars



then to the top floor to see a little of life in the past





looking out onto the Market Place


then out into the garden at the back






here we see remnants of the prison


and here the mortuary with funeral cart

(still more to come)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a beautiful building, and looks like a very interesting place to visit. I do enjoy these quirky buildings where nothing is level.

Needled Mom said...

That is beautiful! I am so glad that they have restored it so beautifully. Those stairs look deadly!!!!!

Mary Ann said...

Another wonderful tour... thank you!

Terri said...

So I showed this one to my Hobby, and he and I decided that in America it probably would have been built and torn down at least 10 times since the first building. How we waste! Love, love, love that it is still in use, even if it is only a museum - and tea shop. Thanks for sharing your pics, Barbara. Always love your tours.
Hugs

Vee said...

I am surprised by many of the windows and the size of them. They'd let in a lot of light. Very intriguing tour...what a fun place to work I would think.

Cheri said...

I loved these photos, very intersting!

Annie Jeffries said...

That is an awesome loom. And I love the front garden.

Gracie Saylor said...

It is so amazing to think of all the living that has happened in and around the buildings you photographed...gardening,building, cooking, crafting, imprisoning, dying...a cycle familiar yet a bit different than our own.
Thanks for posting, Barbara!

Bishop Stone said...

Woowh. I love the photos. I especially love the great wheel, carders and the loom.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Just think what stories all those ancient timbers could tell! If only they could talk...