Guildhall. S. Read. 1869. Source: the 1869 Illustrated London News. Click on image to enlarge it
“The Guildhall, which is situated in the High-street, nearly opposite the Cathedral-yard, is the subject of another of our Illustrations. Its projecting front, supported by semicircular arches which rest upon massive stone columns, forming a capacious portico over the street pavement, strikes the visitor’s eye in his first walk through the city. The principal room, a paved hall 63 ft. long by 25 ft. broad, is adorned with portraits of Queen Henrietta Maria and General Monk, Duke of Albemarle, both painted by Sir Peter Lely, and presented to the city by Charles II.; and with a portrait of Lord Chief Justice Pratt, father of the first Earl Camden, whose estates in the parish of St. Pancras have given his name to a populous suburb of London. The armorial escutcheons of many defunct mayors, judges, members of Parliament, benefactors of the city, and incorporated trades, are emblazoned on the walls of this hall, which is used for meetings of the town council, for the city sessions and assizes, and for public city meetings. There is a smaller council-room up stairs, and the city police court.
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Bibliography
"Leaves from a Sketchbook: Exeter." Illustrated London News 55 (1869): 169-70. Hathi Trust online version of a copy in the Princeton University Library. Web. 25 May 2021.
Last modified 30 May 2021