Guildhall

Guildhall is a three-story red brick building with stone detailing and a Welsh slate roof located in Harwich on the English coast. The two canted bays run the full height of the structure, giving it a distinctive shape.

The building started as The Bear Inn before the town council purchased it in 1673 and underwent a Georgian-style rebuild a century later. This transformation in 1769 gave it the form it holds today.

The building serves the town council as a meeting place and local gathering space. Its rooms reflect the civic identity that Harwich has maintained over centuries.

Access is free but visitors should contact the town council beforehand to check opening times. As an active administrative building, hours can vary depending on local events and meetings.

The Carvings Room contains ship engravings carved by prisoners in the 18th century, including one bearing the American flag from the independence era. This remarkable collection shows how a small port town was connected to major world events.

Location: Harwich

GPS coordinates: 51.94580,1.28781

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21