The Guildhall Museum

This is a spectacular and an absolute treasure of a timber framed building and is one of the best Medieval Guildhalls in the UK and one of the best surviving examples of a such kind in the UK. The building itself dates back to the 14th Century and is one of the best preserved wooden timber framed buildings in the UK. The architecture of the building is absolutely magnificent and is very iconic and memorable. The building is just as good on the inside where you can see what is a first class museum detailing the history of the building and also the history of Medieval Leicester detailing religion, social and Medieval life. There are some other interesting displays about Leicester Abbey, Health & Welfare of the People of Leicester, Money and Markets in Leicester and Crafts and Occupations for People in Leicester in Medieval times and all of these displays are extremely informative and very interesting. There is also some interesting artefacts to see such as Coins, Pottery, Jewellery, Religious Figures and other Religious Items along with Religious Building material and all of these artefacts are in fantastic condition giving you a full idea how they would have used during the Medieval Period. There are some very well preserved medieval rooms to go in as well such as The Mayor's Parlour complete with some interesting features such as The Coats of Arms above the fireplace and Stained Glass Windows that date around 1500 and they are in remarkable condition. Other areas of the Guildhall which you can see are The Great Hall which is one of the best preserved examples of a Wooden timber framed hall in the UK from the period and it is in such fantastic condition and there is The Town Library with wonderful preserved books in glass case and some more fantastic wooden furniture such as chests, tables and chairs. Other interesting areas of the Building is the The Recorder's Room who was the judge in criminal cases during that that period and also the room has a bed and other items giving of how they lived in the chamber. The museum goes into Crime and Punishment and there are some interesting artefacts used in Crime and Punishment from the period such as Leg Irons, Scold's Bridle and Gibbet Irons giving a full idea of how people from the period were punished and treated for any crimes they were accused of committing. There are some cells to see giving you an idea of the conditions that prisoners lived and how they were treated when they awaiting trial for any crimes they were accused of committing and this part of the museum is very thought provoking and insightful along with being very interesting. The museum is free admission with donations very much welcome. There is a small shop selling a small range of souvenirs at reasonable prices and there is Cafe No.7 adjacent to the building selling a variety of food and drink at reasonable prices. Overall this is a very interesting and brilliant place to visit, which makes for a very marvellous and intriguing day out to one Leicester's most iconic medieval buildings.. Definitely another place worth a visit whilst in Leicester