Set in the heart of the historic old seaport, Harwich’s Guildhall is the only Grade 1 listed building in Harwich. Originally the site of an inn named ‘The Bear’ it was purchased by the council in 1673. Its present design dates from 1769 and it remains the meeting place and administrative home for Harwich Town Council.
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 is on the first floor of the Guildhall. It remains the meeting place for Harwich Town Council. The staircase leading to it is lined with the portraits of former mayors along with the present High Steward of Harwich. The chamber is a spacious, oak panelled room and its walls bear large portraits of significant local figures from previous centuries. Its windows include a stained glass depiction of the town crest. On the wall immediately behind the mayor’s chair hangs a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, signed by Her Majesty in the chamber during a visit in 2004 to mark the 400 year anniversary of the Royal Charter of 1604.
Copies of the Royal Charter are hanging in the Guildhall for public viewing.
The chamber also houses the council’s regalia showcase containing the 17th century mace and the mayor’s chain of office.
The parlour remains the personal domain of the mayor of the day and it houses gifts to the town along with many other items of great local significance. Amongst its treasures are the town’s imperial brass yard, a letter from the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, following a visit in 2000 and a portrait of Charles II painted in the year 1682. It is the robing room for the Mayor and High Steward on civic occasions.
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 crowds waiting below. The ceremony is unique to Harwich and has been a local tradition for centuries.
The Guildhall is also accessible for disabled visitors, and has a fully functioning stair lift and disabled toilet, with baby changing facilities. 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, Wednesday or Friday.
Harwich Town Council are unable to carry out fully conducted tours of the Guildhall, unless by prior arrangement, however you are welcome to visit us for a look round with a member of staff and brief history. The Harwich Society very kindly conducts full tours throughout the year for which the Guildhall is normally included.
The Council Chamber is available to hire for meetings or private functions. Please contact the team on 01255 507211 (option 4) for further information.