Winchester Guildhall, Winchester (must see)

Winchester Guildhall, a Grade II listed building, stands as a historic and architecturally significant structure in Winchester. Prior to the establishment of the current Guildhall in 1873, its predecessor had occupied a site further up the High Street since the time of King Edward IV.

The site for the new Guildhall held historical significance, having been previously occupied by St Mary's Abbey. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530s, Queen Mary granted the site to the City of Salisbury as a gesture of gratitude for the city's support in her marriage to King Philip of Spain in 1554.

The foundation stone for the new building was laid on December 22, 1871, by Viscount Eversley, the former Speaker of the House of Commons. The Guildhall was officially opened on May 18, 1873, by the Lord Chancellor, Earl of Selborne.

Designed by Jeffery and Skiller in the Gothic Revival style the Guildhall features a distinctive architectural composition. The central section incorporates a flight of steps leading to an arcaded entrance on the first floor, three mullion windows on the second floor, and a prominent clock tower topped by angle pavilions. The clock, crafted by Gillett & Bland, includes quarter-chiming features. Statues of local historical figures adorn the front of the building at the second-floor level, adding a cultural touch to the architectural ensemble.

The interior of the Guildhall holds artistic treasures, including the King Charles Room, where a restored portrait of King Charles I revealed its original depiction of Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St Albans, by Peter Lely, over-painted with an image of the king. Other notable paintings in the King Charles Room feature portraits of King Charles II by Peter Lely and Queen Elizabeth II by Edward Halliday. Additionally, the stairwell houses a painting by Thomas Stewardson depicting the children of Charles Paulet, 13th Marquess of Winchester.