St Mary's Guildhall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Guildhall |
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The entrance to St Mary's Hall in Bayley Lane
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| Location | Coventry, West Midlands |
| Built | 1342 |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 5 February 1955 |
| Reference no. | 1116402 |
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St Mary's Guildhall is a very old and important building in Coventry, England. It is located on Bayley Lane in the West Midlands. This amazing building is officially recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most historically significant places in the country.
What is St Mary's Guildhall?
St Mary's Guildhall was built a long, long time ago, between 1340 and 1342. It was later changed and made bigger in 1460. The building was made in the medieval style, which means it looks like buildings from the Middle Ages.
The Guild's Headquarters
Originally, this building was the main office for a group called the merchant guild of St Mary. A guild was like a club or association for people who did the same kind of work, in this case, merchants. Later, it became the home for several united guilds.
In 1547, King Edward VI decided to close down many religious guilds. After this, St Mary's Guildhall was used for different important jobs. It became the city's armoury, where weapons were stored. It also served as the city's treasury, keeping important money and documents safe until 1822. For a long time, it was also the main office for the city council, until a new building called the Council House opened in 1920.
Famous Visitors and Royal Guests
St Mary's Guildhall has hosted many important people throughout history.
Mary, Queen of Scots' Visit
In November 1569, Mary, Queen of Scots was brought to Coventry. This happened after a rebellion in the north of England. Queen Elizabeth I wanted Mary to be kept somewhere safe. Although Elizabeth suggested Coventry Castle, it was too old and falling apart. So, Mary was first held at an inn and then moved to the Mayoress's Parlour inside St Mary's Guildhall. She stayed there for a while before being moved again in May 1570.
Royal Dinners and Stays
Other members of the royal family also visited the Guildhall. On April 3, 1604, Princess Elizabeth came to Coventry. She listened to a sermon at St Michael's Church and then had dinner at St Mary's Hall. Years later, on August 20, 1612, Prince Henry also visited. He had supper at the Guildhall and stayed nearby.
Restoring a Historic Gem
Over the years, people have worked hard to keep St Mary's Guildhall in good condition.
Early Restoration Efforts
In the 1830s, George Eld, who was the mayor of Coventry, really cared about the city's old buildings. He started the work to restore the Mayoress's Parlour, making sure its medieval look was preserved.
Modern Repairs and Improvements
In 1930, the city council continued the restoration work. They fixed the door to the crypt, which is an underground room. They also added glass and grilles to the windows of the fore crypt. Outside, they made sure the old stone walls were strong and stable.
Today, the building still has a special underground area called an vaulted undercroft. This space is now used as a restaurant, which is a cool way to use such an old part of the building!
Art and Treasures Inside
St Mary's Guildhall is home to many valuable and beautiful items.
Royal Portraits and Artworks
Inside, you can see a collection of paintings of kings and queens from the 1600s to the 1800s. There are also old weapons and armour. The building has amazing stained glass windows and one of the most important tapestries in the country, made around 1500.
Some of the famous artworks include a painting of King George I by John Shackleton. There's also a portrait of Queen Caroline of Ansbach by Godfrey Kneller. You can also see a marble statue of Lady Godiva by William Calder Marshall.
The Godiva Procession Painting
In 1861, an artist named David Gee painted a famous picture called The Godiva Procession Leaving St Mary's Hall. This painting shows a parade related to the legend of Lady Godiva leaving the Guildhall. You can see this painting today at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry.
Images for kids
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The archway entrance to the guildhall in 1810
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The entrance in 2012
