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HARWICH TOWN COUNCIL

THE GUILDHALL

Set in the heart of the historic old sea port, Harwich’s Guildhall is a Grade One Listed building dating from the seventeenth century. The wealth of history and heritage that it contains, along with its remarkable architecture, make the Guildhall in Harwich a fascinating place to visit.

The Council Chamber

The Chamber is a beautiful, oak paneled room, its walls adorned with large portraits and its windows including a stained glass depiction of the town crest. The chamber also houses the regalia show case containing the seventeenth century mace and the mayors chain of office.

The Mayor’s Parlour

The parlour remains the personal domain of the mayor of the day and it houses gifts to the town and many other items of great local significance.

Amongst its treasures are the town’s Imperial brass yard and a portrait of Charles II painted in the year 1675.

The Carvings Room

A unique feature of the Guildhall is the Carvings room, once used to hold prisoners waiting to be tried or sentenced.

Etched into the bare, wooden walls of the room are elaborate carvings of ships, gallows and symbols designed to ward off evil spirits, some of which date from the end of the eighteenth century.

Mayor Making

Each May after the council elects Harwich’s new Mayor, the ancient ceremony of Kitchel throwing takes place.

Kitchels are small spiced cakes, baked locally and the new Mayor throws them out of the window of the Council Chamber to be caught by the waiting crowds below.

The ceremony is unique to Harwich and has been a local tradition for centuries.

VISITING THE GUILDHALL

There is no entrance fee but to ensure that the Guildhall is open when you plan to visit please telephone The Clerk to the Council on 01255 507211 between 9.30am – 1pm Monday to Friday.

HIRING THE GUILDHALL

The Council Chamber is available to hire for private functions. Please contact The Clerk to the Council on 01255 507211 for further information.