Guildhall

Guildhall stands in central Bath, a fine 18th-century municipal building of Bath stone. It replaced earlier timber and stone halls that had served the trade guilds since the 14th century. The present façade shows four Ionic columns under a pediment topped by a statue of Justice. Inside, a grand banqueting hall holds Corinthian columns, crystal chandeliers and royal portraits. The building also links to the Victoria Art Gallery through later 19th-century wings. The hall has witnessed centuries of civic life and culture. Queen Elizabeth II lunched here in 2002 during a royal visit. The same room once hosted concerts and plays in the late 17th century. Paintings by Jan Baptist van Diest were added after a 1725 enlargement. The Guildhall now serves as council chamber, register office and wedding venue. It also hosts the Bath International Music Festival and has appeared in period dramas such as The Trial of Christine Keeler. Visitors enter through the main portico to find the banqueting hall with its tall columns and glittering lights. The rear archway on Orange Grove leads to the Old Police Station. Behind the building lies Bath Guildhall Market, reached via an arched tunnel. About twenty stalls trade there daily, continuing a market tradition that began 800 years ago. The market suffered fire damage in 1972 but still offers local produce and goods.