Harwich's Grade I listed Guildhall open soon for Open Day

The building will be open to the public in September as part of the Heritage Opens Days initiative.

On the afternoon of Saturday September 7 between 2pm and 4pm for free.

The Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture with this year free events taking place from September 6 to 9 and September 13 to 15.

The Guildhall, on Church Street, is the only Grade I listed building in Harwich and is one of the only 9,300 Grade I listed buildings in the UK.

The Guildhall is also the home of Harwich Town Council and the council is a supporter of the annual Heritage Open Days.

Mayor of Harwich, Pam Morrison, said: “From Harwich’s 17th century mace through to the 18th century carvings on the wall of the gaol, the Guildhall is a fascinating building to visit with something special in every room. 

“Harwich is steeped in history and the Guildhall is at the very centre of it all.”

History - Inside the Guildhall is a carvings room, with one being a Stars and Stripes ship from the time of the American War of Independence (Image: Maria Fowler)

Ms Morrison added: “More and more people are discovering what a significant building Harwich’s Guildhall is and it is a pleasure to show people around.

“Every year we have local visitors who tell us they have never been inside the Guildhall before and they are always amazed by what they see.  I’m sure that this will happen again this year.”

Guided tours of the Guildhall are available throughout the year and can be arranged by contacting the council during office hours.

The Guildhall was originally an inn called ‘The Bear’ and was purchased by the council in 1673. 

The Guildhall on the first floor also contains the council chamber, which remains the meeting place for Harwich Town Council, with a staircase lined with portraits of former mayors.

For further information please contact Lucy Ballard, clerk to the council, on 01255 507211