Guildhall London

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Guildhall has been the seat of the City government housing the Corporation of London. The Guildhall's construction started in 1411. Now days it is the only secular to have survived both the Blitz and the Great Fire of London. Being the 3rd biggest municipal hall in England, the Great Hall has been host to numerous state and royal visitors. The impressive Medieval Hall is illuminated by grandiose stained glass windowpanes, while being decorated with commemorations to a variety of national figures comprising Sir Winston Churchill, Admiral Lord Nelson and The Duke of Wellington amongst others. The Guildhall's role in the City nowadays is still of enormous significance. As a venue for civil and stately banquets, it provides an impressive and extraordinary space for meetings, receptions and dinners. To this day it still hosts the meetings of the elected assembly of the Corporation, the ceremony for the Honorary Freedom of the City and Common Council court. Guildhall is currently undergoing refurbishment work. Evening events are operating without disruption with reduced capacity in the Great Hall and Crypts. The Old Library will not be available to hire from November 2006 to November 2008. Daytime bookings above 80 people will not be possible until early 2008. An additional new venue space will be available on site from late 2008.