THE GUILDHALL, LAVENHAM

Built around 1529, The Guildhall of Corpus Christi is one of four guildhalls that existed at one time or another in Lavenham. The purpose of the guilds were social and religious, but they were abolished by Acts of Parliament in 1545 and 1547. The cause of their demise was their link to late-medieval religion, which was considered by Protestant reformers as idolatrous and superstitious. The benefits of a gild funeral, for example would have included prayers and masses which would help save one's soul from the torments of purgatory.

In its day the building has been a used as a prison, town hall, workhouse, almshouse, and a wool store. The Guildhall is now owned by the people of Lavenham, and is run by the National Trust. It is open daily from April to October. It includes a museum with exhibitions about local industry, farming, the former railway station, and the woollen cloth industry. The garden also contains examples of plants used in that industry, plus a parish lock-up and mortuary. There is also a tearoom and a National Trust Shop.

Market Place, Lavenham. Tel. 01787 247646

Update 27th May, 2000

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