
Guildhall, London
Beneath the polished pavements of London’s financial district lies a time capsule of chaos, ceremony, and some really ancient civic drama—Roman ruins, Saxon leftovers, and medieval meeting halls—all packed into one square. And right in the middle of it stands the Guildhall—one of the capital’s oldest and most historically significant buildings, offering a fascinating look at over 2,000 years of London’s civic life. Built on a site that dates back to Roman times, the Guildhall has stood as a center for governance since the 12th century and continues to serve as the ceremonial and administrative core of the City of London Corporation.
The current building was completed in 1411, and its most impressive space, the Great Hall, has witnessed major events, including the infamous trial of Lady Jane Grey (charged with and executed for high treason) in 1553. Remarkably, the hall survived both the Great Fire of London in 1666 and World War II bombings, although repairs were required after each disaster. Inside, visitors can marvel at its vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and the legendary statues of Gog and Magog, the mythical protectors of the City.
Right next door is the Guildhall Art Gallery, which offers free admission and houses one of London’s finest collections of Victorian art. The gallery is arranged around themes like work, leisure, beauty, and faith, and features stunning Pre-Raphaelite pieces. But the real surprise lies in the basement: the preserved ruins of a Roman amphitheater, discovered during construction works in 1988. Its circular footprint in the courtyard above hints at the ancient structure that once stood there.
For history lovers, there’s more—the medieval crypts beneath the Guildhall are some of the largest and oldest in London, exuding the shadowy allure of centuries past. While much of the Guildhall is used for official events, occasional guided tours and open days allow visitors to explore its storied interiors.
The Guildhall isn’t just old—it’s layered like a very cultured onion with a taste of London’s political past. A rather rewarding and atmospheric stop, it offers a quieter alternative to the City’s bigger tourist sites—but with just as much drama, myth, and beauty built into its stone walls.
The current building was completed in 1411, and its most impressive space, the Great Hall, has witnessed major events, including the infamous trial of Lady Jane Grey (charged with and executed for high treason) in 1553. Remarkably, the hall survived both the Great Fire of London in 1666 and World War II bombings, although repairs were required after each disaster. Inside, visitors can marvel at its vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and the legendary statues of Gog and Magog, the mythical protectors of the City.
Right next door is the Guildhall Art Gallery, which offers free admission and houses one of London’s finest collections of Victorian art. The gallery is arranged around themes like work, leisure, beauty, and faith, and features stunning Pre-Raphaelite pieces. But the real surprise lies in the basement: the preserved ruins of a Roman amphitheater, discovered during construction works in 1988. Its circular footprint in the courtyard above hints at the ancient structure that once stood there.
For history lovers, there’s more—the medieval crypts beneath the Guildhall are some of the largest and oldest in London, exuding the shadowy allure of centuries past. While much of the Guildhall is used for official events, occasional guided tours and open days allow visitors to explore its storied interiors.
The Guildhall isn’t just old—it’s layered like a very cultured onion with a taste of London’s political past. A rather rewarding and atmospheric stop, it offers a quieter alternative to the City’s bigger tourist sites—but with just as much drama, myth, and beauty built into its stone walls.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Guildhall on Map






Sight Name: Guildhall
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
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Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour I
The Harry Potter phenomenon began with author J.K. Rowling, who famously dreamed up the series while delayed on a train from Manchester to London. With the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, the literary world changed forever. Across seven books, readers followed Harry’s evolution from an orphaned schoolboy at Hogwarts to a brave young wizard confronting evil... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Charles Dickens Tour
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bridges of London
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The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market – currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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