Old Guild Hall

The Old Guild Hall is a stone structure featuring open round-headed arches on the ground floor and four-light mullion windows with leaded panes on the upper floors. The exterior displays classical proportions and craftsmanship typical of 17th-century English civic buildings.

Construction followed the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and replaced an earlier medieval guildhall with a new design by architect John Lovin completed in 1671. The new structure symbolized the shift to contemporary architectural styles and the continuity of civic administration after political upheaval.

The building displays royal coats of arms and shields of influential local figures, representing the civic pride and connections that shaped Peterborough. These symbols remain visible reminders of the community's past leadership and identity.

The ground floor is accessible to visitors, while the upper floors contain original assembly rooms from the 17th-century construction period. Access to the upper levels may be limited, so it is worth checking beforehand what is available to see on the day of your visit.

The building resembles the former Amsterdam Town Hall as shown in historical paintings by Pieter Jansz, suggesting shared inspiration among European civic architects of the period. This architectural link is often overlooked, yet it reveals a hidden connection between English and Dutch building traditions of the era.

Location: City of Peterborough

GPS coordinates: 52.57260,-0.24316

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:46