Guildhall London

Guildhall has been the heart of the administration of the City since the twelfth century. This was an era when the Lord Mayor of London rivalled the monarch for influence and prestige. The Guildhall was where he and the ruling merchant class held court and helped create London’s wealth.

Today, 800 years on, Guildhall is still home of the City of London Corporation, and acts as a grand setting for glittering banquets in honour of visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries, royal occasions, and receptions for major historical anniversaries.

Being situated in the heart of the City of London, the world’s leading financial and business centre, this rare and magnificent medieval Grade I listed landmark offers a spectacular backdrop for corporate events and banquets.

During the Roman period it was the site of an amphitheatre, the largest in Britannia, partial remains of which are on public display in the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery. The outline of the arena is marked on the paving of the courtyard in front of the hall with a black circle. The site of the Saxon Guildhall here was probably due to the amphitheatre's remains.

Two giants, Gog and Magog, are associated with the Guildhall. According to the tradition, the giants Gog and Magog are guardians of the City of London. There are many legends about the two giants but the one most associated with the Guildhall is that the two giants were defeated by Brutus and chained to the gates of his palace on the site of Guildhall. Carvings of Gog and Magog are kept in the Guildhall and taken out and paraded in the annual Lord Mayor's Show.

Guildhall, built between 1411 and 1440, was designed to reflect the importance of London’s ruling elite. In the twenty-first century its splendour is still awe-inspiring. Within the walls of this national treasure lie six spectacular rooms providing unique surroundings for corporate and private hospitality.

The ideal location for conferences, high profile meetings, lunches, receptions, dinners, and award ceremonies, Guildhall has no equal. Perfect for prestigious occasions, whether an elegant black-tie dinner, international conference or a more intimate meeting or presentation, Guildhall will enhance it.

Contact details for the Guildhall London main switchboard: 020 7606 3030 fax: 020 7332 1996 email: [email protected]

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