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Located in the heart of London, the Guildhall has its origins set very possibly in Roman times for it was in 1987-8 the remains of a Roman amphitheatre were unearthed underneath the present Guildhall Yard. Notwithstanding it is believed that a Guildhall stood on or near the site of the present one during the 12th century. What is more certain is that the existing Guildhall was built by Croxton and dates back to 1411. Although it suffered some destruction in the Great Fire the present walls porch undercroft and other sections survived. Other fires and the bombing blitz of the Second World War also caused additional damage, with the result that the roof windows and other parts have had to be replaced from time to time over the years. The Guildhall has from its inception been the seat of the government of the City of London which is administered by the Court of Common Council. The Guildhall has also, for centuries, held state banquets functions and other official events in its Great Hall in honour of royalty and leaders of countries. In the Great Hall one can see magnificent stained glass windows and monuments of Pitt the Younger and Elder, Wellington, Nelson and Churchill. The largest medieval crypt believed to have been built in 13th century can be found underneath the Guildhall. When an official function is being held then admission is not allowed; otherwise it is open to the public free of charge. There is also a clock museum which has a display of hundreds of watches, some more than 500 years old. The Clock Museum is open Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-4.45pm.
Located at: Gresham Street,
London,
EC2
Telephone: 020 7606 3030
Opens: Daily from May-September from 10am-5pm and from Oct-April from 10am-4.30pm Mondays to Saturdays
Cost: Free
Closest Subway Station: Bank Station
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