A historic Leicester landmark is set to mark a major milestone next month as it celebrates 100 years as a public museum.
Leicester Guildhall, which dates back to 1390, was originally built as a meeting place for a wealthy medieval guild before later becoming the city’s first town hall in the 16th century. Its future was left uncertain after it was replaced by a purpose-built town hall in 1876, with calls at the time for the building to be demolished.
However, the timber-framed structure was ultimately saved and reopened to the public as a museum and performance venue on 19 May 1926, following an extensive restoration programme.
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To mark its centenary year, a series of special events and activities will take place throughout May.
Free guided tours exploring the building’s restoration and transformation into a museum will be held next week. The “Then & Now: The Guildhall Restoration” tours will take place on Wednesday 4 March at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm, with places available to book in advance. A further tour is also scheduled for 4 May.
A larger celebration will be held on the May Day Bank Holiday (Monday 4 May), when the Guildhall will host a day of performances, activities and interactive history sessions.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of free events from 11am to 3pm, including maypole dancing in the courtyard, live medieval music, historical re-enactments, guided tours, arts and crafts, and face painting.
Entertainment on the day will include music from hammered dulcimer player Damien Clark, while members of the Leicester Archaeological & Historical Society will provide insights into the building’s history. The Redcoats & Revolutionaries group will also be on site, bringing the past to life with period costumes and artillery displays.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “It’s hard to imagine that the threat of demolition hung over the Guildhall in the early 1920s.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Leicester Archaeological & Historical Society and the determination of city councillors more than a hundred years ago, the building was saved.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
“Today, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the country and one of the finest surviving timber-framed halls in the city, with its programme of events helping to attract more than 66,000 visitors last year.
“I hope that many more will visit the Guildhall this year as it celebrates this significant anniversary.”
The celebrations will conclude with a ceilidh in the Guildhall’s Great Hall at 4pm on 4 May, featuring live music from ceilidh band 3Around3. Tickets cost £5, with free entry for accompanied children.
