Leicester Guildhall

The earliest portion of Leicester, Leicester Guildhall, a timber-framed structure, dates to around 1390. Before the current one was built in 1876, the Guildhall served as the city's town hall. It is situated on a roadway now known as Guildhall Lane in the former walled city. It served as the Guild of Corpus Christi's first meeting location and later the more formal Corporation of Leicester. The hall served a variety of functions, including council meetings, feasts, court hearings, and theatrical performances; it was also used to address the ultimatum sent to the city during the English Civil War.

The Guildhall served as a venue for celebrations and banquets as well as the residence of the priest who offered up prayers for Guild members' souls at the nearby St. Martin's Church. By the end of the 14th century, the Guildhall was purchased by the Corporation of Leicester.

In 1876, the Corporation relocated to the brand-new Leicester Town Hall. Later, it was also utilized as a school in addition to the police station. However, the structure was deteriorating rapidly, and by the 1920s, plans to remove the structure existed. Following the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society's assistance, the council started restoration work on the structure. It was completed in 1926 when the Guildhall was inaugurated as a museum.

Location: Guildhall Ln, Leicester LE1 5FQ, England