Pages

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Guildhall

The Guildhall a spectacular medieval building the powerbase of the ruling merchant class since the 12th century that rivalled that of the monarchy. Although the guilds don't weild the same poswer as in previous centuries, it is still a place of pomp and ceremony.
Occasionaly they open their doors and let us ordinary folk take a peek at the grandeur. This room, the old library was a more recent addition, built in 1870 in Victorian gothic style. It had grand oak bookcases lining the walls to house the 40,000 volumes of the guilds collection.

Now days the room is used for official functions.

13 comments:

John said...

Had a company dinner in there one night years ago, company gone broke since then - ah well, spend it while you have it. It was a nice place.

Angie said...

Nice pad!!

Lowell said...

A gorgeous room and beautiful building. I would assume the guildhalls are similar, but not the same as, those erected by the Masons and other such organizations.

I've been to some of the Masonic and other lodge ceremonies and usually find it hard not to laugh out loud.

The pretensions of such come close to religious rites...

In this place, today, how does one become a member? Who is allowed to attend the "pomp and ceremony"?

Sharon said...

Beautiful room! It really is nice that some of these places are open occasionally to the public.

jabblog said...

It looks very splendid - high ceilings, high windows and mellow stone.

Jenny Woolf said...

I was amazed at the collection of Victorian paintings they have at the Guildhall, and some really great ones of London. I went to see a special exhibition (Atkinson Grimshaw) which is over now but I got the impression that the gallery is open to the public in the usual way.

Anonymous said...

bit of a fixer-upper

nice, tho

× × ×

/t.

Jack said...

The Victorian Gothic details make it look like a church. It might perform the role of a church for it members.

LONDONLULU said...

This place oozes power. I love the details captured and...perhaps some sun?!

Witness said...

so warm.

Babzy.B said...

beautiful room and space :)

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Great shot. What a beautiful spot.

Darryl and Ruth :)

mydecoreview said...

Just love the victorian style architecture. Wish I could visit the place once.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...