Thaxted Guildhall

Thaxted Guildhall is a medieval timber-framed building that projects out over the pavement on three sides, with four gothic windows and a central oak post supporting the structure. The ground floor originally functioned as a marketplace while the upper floor hosted meetings and civic gatherings.

Built between 1390 and 1410, the structure was a central landmark of the late medieval town. Its preservation led to Grade I listed status in 1967, recognizing its architectural importance.

The building was a gathering place for craftspeople and merchants who conducted business and met here over centuries. Walking through the spaces shows where the town's public life actually happened.

The building functions as a civic center and contains a museum displaying photographs and objects documenting the town's history. Access is generally available, though it is worth checking opening hours before visiting.

The building still contains an original village lock-up called the Old Cage, complete with barred window grates and its original doorway. This small space reveals how the town maintained order and how every corner served a practical purpose.