Guildhall, Gothic administrative center in City of London, United Kingdom
Guildhall is a town hall in the heart of the City of London, mixing medieval construction with later Georgian alterations. The Great Hall stands under a high vaulted roof, and side areas lead to smaller chambers and crypts with stone arches.
The building arose in the early 15th century as the seat of civic government. The Great Fire of 1666 scorched parts of the roof, and Second World War bombs caused further damage that was later repaired.
The Guildhall Library maintains extensive collections of London's historical documents, maps, and registers dating from the 11th century forward.
The entrance opens from a narrow lane, and signs direct visitors to the different halls and the library. Part of the building is available for events, so access may be restricted at times.
Beneath the floor run remains of a Roman amphitheater, uncovered during excavations in the late 1980s. A black circle in the courtyard paving marks the outline of the old arena.
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