Exeter Guildhall

Exeter Guildhall is a civic building with a striking granite-columned portico, decorated corbels, and an ornate Italian-style facade dating from the 1590s. Below the Renaissance exterior lie original medieval spaces, including a 14th-century cellar and areas once used as a prison and council chamber.

The building was constructed between 1468 and 1470, incorporating timber-framed walls from 1466 while replacing earlier structures. In 1685, it became the site of the Bloody Assizes, the notorious trials conducted by Judge Jeffreys that still resonate in local history.

The wooden panels in the main chamber display heraldic shields of former city officials and local noble families, reflecting this place's connection to local power and governance. These symbols serve as a reminder of how important this building has been to the community's civic life.

Visitors can explore the original medieval rooms, including the cellar and former prison areas, to see how the building's interior functions. Guided tours organized through the city council offer the best way to access these spaces and understand their stories.

For over 600 years, this building has been continuously used for civic administration, making it one of England's longest-operating municipal buildings at the same location. This uninterrupted service is rare and shows how the structure has served the community through centuries of change.

Location: Exeter

GPS coordinates: 50.72330,-3.53180

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06