The Guildhall exterior

Click to enlarge images below:

Leicester Guildhall

About

Leicester Guildhall

The Grade I listed, timber-framed Guildhall has been at the centre of Leicester history for 630 years. Over the years it has been used as a court, town hall, venue for Shakespeare, prison, and now a museum and venue. Believed to be one of the ‘Most Haunted’ places in Leicester, uncover its ghostly stories.

Leicester is privileged to have one of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country dating back 600 years 

The History of Leicester Guildhall

Leicester Guildhall is a historic building and the oldest building still in use in the city. It was Leicester’s first police station and between 1876 and the 1900’s and saw many unsavoury characters pass through its doors.

The Great Hall itself was built in about 1390 as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi (a small but powerful group of businessmen and gentry) and it’s also believed that Shakespeare performed here during Tudor times. Over the years it has had many uses, including housing one of the oldest public libraries and serving as the Town Hall. After restoration, the Guildhall was opened to the public as a museum in 1926.

The Guildhall Ghosts

Leicester’s Guildhall is known as the cities most haunted building having appeared in various television programmes, such as the well-known television show ‘Most Haunted’. There are known to be five ghosts in residence, including the mysterious white lady who makes her presence felt in the library. Although there are some that believe it’s not a white lady but a monk dressed in grey, which might be explained by the fact that there used to be the Old Grey Friars Monastery only 300 yards from the Guildhall.

There have also been sightings of a phantom dog and black cat ghost which have been seen in the courtyard and the Great Hall respectively.

If you dare, why not book yourself onto one of the haunted evenings held at the Guildhall, where you might just get up close and personal with a ghost!

Leicester Guildhall Today

Today, Leicester Guildhall is best known as an excellent performance venue, attracting acts from across the country. It’s also known as a museum where visitors can step back in time and come face to face with Crankie Gemmie and Emma Smith, two of Leicester's notorious pick-pockets who can be found lurking in the Victorian police cells. The museum is also home to the Medieval Leicester galleries. Through objects and activities, visitors can walk the streets of medieval Leicester and uncover a world both familiar and very different to our own!

Leicester Guildhall is available for private hire and is a historic and atmospheric venue for weddings, civil ceremonies, renewing wedding vows and naming ceremonies.

Add Leicester Guildhall to your Itinerary

Visitor Details

Key Information

Guildhall Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5FQ

Tel: +44 (0) 1162532569

Opening Times

Opening Hours: (21 June 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday11:00 - 16:30

TripAdvisor

Related

Throne RoomKing Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester City

Holiday Inn Leicester, Leicester City

Space SuitsNational Space Centre, Leicester City

Leicester CathedralLeicester Cathedral, Leicester City

interior of Abbey Pumping Station engines Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester City

Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens - See & Do in LeicesterNewarke Houses, Leicester City

Great Central Railway exterior bridgeGreat Central Railway, Leicester City

New Walk Museum & Art GalleryLeicester Museums

New Walk

Leicester - the City’s Story, Leicester City

wygstons house upstairsLeicester Old Town Restaurants, Leicester City

The Newarke, Leicester City

hotels in leicester Hotels in Leicester, Leicester City

man laughingLeicester Comedy Festival, Leicester City

art in leicester Art in Leicester, Leicester City

Wednesday, 8 November 2023 - Wednesday, 8 November 2023

Keith James: The Songs of Leonard CohenKeith James: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
more info

Sunday, 19 November 2023 - Sunday, 19 November 2023

Grand Imperial Cities of Europe - Railway Talk with Alan ColtmanGrand Imperial Cities of Europe - Railway Talk with Alan Coltman
more info

Friday, 14 July 2023 - Friday, 14 July 2023

The Trial of Peppermint BillyThe Trial of Peppermint Billy
more info

Thursday, 16 November 2023 - Thursday, 16 November 2023

Fancourt Music presents Granny’s AtticFancourt Music presents Granny’s Attic
more info

Thursday, 6 July 2023 - Thursday, 6 July 2023

Friday, 7 July 2023 - Friday, 7 July 2023

Saturday, 8 July 2023 - Saturday, 8 July 2023

Crooked Hand Productions Presents: Doctor Watson Follows ThroughCrooked Hand Productions Presents: Doctor Watson Follows Through
more info

Sunday, 6 August 2023 - Sunday, 6 August 2023

Lucky Dog Theatre Productions presents.. Bethnal GreenLucky Dog Theatre Productions presents.. Bethnal Green
more info

Saturday, 24 June 2023 - Saturday, 24 June 2023

Leicester Horror Con 2023Leicester Horror Con 2023
more info

Sunday, 22 October 2023 - Sunday, 22 October 2023

History with Joe presents: Gekokujo: The SamuraiHistory with Joe presents: Gekokujo: The Samurai
more info

Tuesday, 25 July 2023 - Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Kid's Archaeology Fun Day!Kid's Archaeology Fun Day!
more info

Sunday, 24 September 2023 - Sunday, 24 September 2023

Collection of old historic booksIt's Your Funeral - A Talk by Eddie Smallwood
more info

Monday, 24 July 2023 - Monday, 24 July 2023

The sieges of Leicester by Matthew MorrisThe sieges of Leicester by Matthew Morris
more info

Tuesday, 18 July 2023 - Tuesday, 18 July 2023

Encounters with Achilles: The Trojan War as seen from RutlandEncounters with Achilles: The Trojan War as seen from Rutland
more info

Thursday, 3 August 2023 - Thursday, 3 August 2023

Gruesome Gargoyles & Castles of Clay!Gruesome Gargoyles & Castles of Clay!
more info

Thursday, 27 July 2023 - Thursday, 27 July 2023

Cops n RobbersCops n Robbers
more info

Thursday, 17 August 2023 - Thursday, 17 August 2023

Wizard WorldWizard World
more info

Thursday, 24 August 2023 - Thursday, 24 August 2023

Medieval Mayhem at the Hall!Medieval Mayhem at the Hall!
more info

Friday, 9 June 2023 - Friday, 9 June 2023

Friday, 23 June 2023 - Friday, 23 June 2023

Leicester Guildhall Free Guided ToursLeicester Guildhall Free Guided Tours
more info

Saturday, 8 July 2023 - Saturday, 8 July 2023

Sunday, 9 July 2023 - Sunday, 9 July 2023

Sunday, 16 July 2023 - Sunday, 16 July 2023

Friday, 21 July 2023 - Friday, 21 July 2023

Leicester Guildhall free guided tours for JulyLeicester Guildhall free guided tours for July
more info

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 - Wednesday, 29 November 2023

O'hooley & Tidow 'Cloudheads'O'hooley & Tidow 'Cloudheads'
more info

Saturday, 4 November 2023 - Saturday, 4 November 2023

Sitar Music Society presents - Music and LightSitar Music Society presents - Music and Light
more info

Map & Directions

Facilities

Other

  • Uncover the story - A much-loved timber-framed landmark, Leicester Guildhall started life in 1390 when its Great Hall was built as a meeting place and banquet hall for the Guild of Corpus Christi. Over the next 600 years, it was extended and, amongst various uses, found a niche as the perfect host for performances and celebrations that provide a snapshot of English history. <hr> When Elizabeth I’s navy defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Guildhall was the venue of choice for the city’s celebrations. More than 50 years later, when England was in the grip of Civil War, Royalist troops attacked Leicester and looted the Guildhall. After their defeat at the Battle of Naseby weeks later, it was fitting that the thanksgiving dinner to mark Cromwell’s victory was held here. <hr> The 16th century saw a rise in the popularity of theatre, and one of the great playwrights of the day, William Shakespeare, is believed to have performed at Leicester Guildhall. In 1632, it became the city library – now the third oldest in the country – and other roles included town hall, court, police station and jail. With a new town hall commissioned in 1876, and the Guildhall deemed old-fashioned and gloomy, the threat of demolition loomed. <hr> Saved, renovated and protected by Grade I listed status, today it remains one of the stars of Leicester’s entertainment scene. Audiences are treated to musical concerts, plays, comedy gigs, craft fairs and exhibitions in a wonderfully atmospheric setting. <hr> In its daytime guise as a museum, its galleries chronicle medieval Leicester, the Mayor’s Parlour features late-medieval stained glass, and visitors can peer inside cells, where unsettling torture devices and a surprise guest lurk. <hr> Also hiding in the shadows are five resident ghosts, attracting TV’s ‘Most Haunted’ to investigate. Dare to take part in a haunted evening event, and maybe the spirits will put on an impromptu show for you.

Accreditations & Awards

What's Nearby

  1. Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral is currently undergoing renovation and is not currently open to the…

  2. King Richard III Visitor Centre

    The greatest lost-and-found story ever told

  3. The Big Difference Venue

    The Big Difference Venue is an independent music, comedy, arts venue and bar in the heart…

  4. Showcase Cinema de Lux

    Situated in the Highcross shopping complex in the centre of the city, Showcase Cinema…

  1. Treetop Adventure Golf

    Looking for an epic mini-golf adventure? Come and play Tropical Trail & Ancient Explorer…

  2. St Martin's Square

    St Martin’s Square is in a delightful spot, tucked between Silver Street and St Martin’s.…

  3. Jewry Wall Museum

    Jewry Wall Museum is currently closed for refurbishment. Check back here for details of…

  4. Angle Axe Throwing

    Axe Throwing! Its where you throw axes!

  5. Highcross Leicester

    Highcross offers an awe-inspiring mix of fashionable stores, stylish restaurants and a…

  6. Distillers Kitchen

    The Distillers Kitchen, is a new Gin School and exclusive venue as part of the 45 Bar…

  7. Firebug

    Opened in the summer of 2004, Firebug has fast become an essential part of Leicester’s…

  8. Leicester Market

    With more than 800 years of history under its belt, buzzing Leicester Market is a…

  9. Green Dragon Square

    Whether you're attending an event, meeting up, or just finding a spot to enjoy your…

  10. Leicester’s Theatrical Traditions

    Curtain up on a city with theatre in its blood

  11. Pubs with History

    High spirits at historic inns

  12. Haymarket Shopping Centre

    Haymarket Shopping Centre has over 60 stores including fashion and food outlets, making…

Previous Next

Search What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles

Guide Prices

Free entry

Flower Icon

Related Content

Explore further