The Guildhall

"Guildhall, which owes its present improved appearance (with the exception of its Gothic entrance) to Sir Christopher Wren, is a noble stone structure. The Hall, a magnificent room, 153 feet long, 48 broad, and 55 feet high, is capable of containing 6000 or 7000 persons; and it is here that the Lord Mayor, on his inauguration, gives a grand banquet, on which occasion the hall is fitted up in a style of great splendour. This noble room is decorated with several splendid monuments, all of which were erected at the City expense, to perpetuate the fame of Chatham, Beckford, Pitt, and Nelson, whose several public services are here recorded. It has two beautifully painted windows, under one of which stand the colossal figures of GogAndMagog. The Common Council Room is a well-proportioned apartment, at the upper end of which is a fine statue of George III.; it contains also a good collection of paintings. The Chamberlains office contains a series of prints by Hogarth. The City Library contains a valuable collection of bunks; and adjoining it is the Museum, for the reception of works of art and antiquities belonging to the City. The Courts of Law for the City are on the right of the entrance; and on the opposite side is the Justice Room, where an alderman sits daily to hear complaints.

"On the 6th of June 1814, the Prince Regent, the Emperor of Russia, King of Prussia, Prince Blucher, Prince Platoff, and an immense number of distinguished foreigners, were entertained here at a grand banquet that cost 20,000l.; and upon the entrance of Alderman Cowan into office on the 9th of November 1837, the City was honoured by the presence of Her Majesty QueenVictoria, who, upon that occasion, went in great state to Guildhall, accompanied by some members of the Royal Family, attended by the Ministers of State, several of the Judges, the chief Law Officers, &c. &c. Her Majesty, in her progress through the streets, that were upon this occasion lined with the military, was rapturously received by the immense assemblage that attended to witness the procession; was met at TempleBar^? by the LordMayor^? and Aldermen; and after being presented by the former with the sword of state and City keys, was conducted with much ceremony to Guildhall, and sumptuously entertained at a grand banquet given there."

• Mogg's New Picture of London and Visitor's Guide to it Sights, 1844; from The Victorian Dictionary

-- ChrisLehrich^? - 29 Dec 2004

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