Description of the attraction
One of the main attractions of the old English town of Guildford is its town hall. It is located, as befits a building of this kind, on the main street of the city, in the very place where the first town hall was located in the XIV century. The existing building was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century for the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Guildford. At the same time, a stained-glass window appeared, decorated with the image of her coat of arms. Later, the coat of arms of Anna of Denmark, wife of King James I, and the coat of arms of the city of Guildford were added to it.
In 1683, the building was rebuilt again, and the Council Hall appeared on the second floor - a large hall where the Guildford City Council met for its meetings. The hall is finished with fine wood paneling.
The town hall houses ceremonial supplies and insignia, which are used during various ceremonies. The gold chain and the mayor's badge are made of gold and made in 1683. The spouse of the mayor is also entitled to a gold badge, and other dignitaries - silver. The city of Guildford boasts two ceremonial wands. One, silver with gilding, was made at the end of the 15th century, the second was donated to the city in 1633. Unusually, the mayor of Guildford has a special staff - allegedly granted by Elizabeth I. The town hall also contains a two-handed sword of the 16th century, which is carried in ceremonial processions with the participation of the mayor of the city.
In the 17th century, a clock was installed on the town hall, but not on the facade of the building, as is usually the case, but on a bracket above the street so that the time can be discerned from anywhere on the High Street, the main street of the city.
