St Mary's Guildhall, Medieval guildhall in Cathedral Quarter, Coventry, England
St Mary's Guildhall is a medieval guildhall in Coventry, England, featuring a large main hall with a carved wooden roof and stained glass windows from different periods. The building spans several floors and includes further rooms lined with wooden panelling and decorations from the era of merchant guilds.
The building was constructed in the early 14th century and served as a meeting place for the merchant guilds of the city. It later passed into civic use and was altered and extended several times over the following centuries.
The guildhall takes its name from the merchant guild that once ran its affairs here and shaped the life of the city. Visitors today can still see the carved wooden panels and stained glass windows that reflect the wealth these traders once held.
The building is in the centre of Coventry and easy to reach on foot from the main sights of the city. Inside there are several rooms on different levels, so it is worth setting aside enough time to see each space at a comfortable pace.
Mary Queen of Scots is said to have been held within this building during her captivity in England. A large painting in the main hall shows her likeness and still reminds visitors of that unusual stay.
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