Worcester's iconic Heritage buildings open to visitors today

Some of Worcester's most famous historic buildings are opening their doors to the public today as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme. This includes The Guildhall, which dates back to 1721, and The Commandery, which was most famously the Royalist Headquarters during the deciding battle of the English Civil War in 1651. These sites and more are offering free entry and guided tours, both today and on selected dates next week.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Dr Matt Lamb, will be welcoming people to the Guildhall and the Mayor’s Parlour.

Councillor Lamb said: “What we're trying to do in this Heritage Week is trying to introduce both people who live in Worcester and also visitors to some of the amazing buildings that we've got."

The Guildhall was once the seat of justice for the city. Visitors today can see the holding cells, where criminals stayed before appearing in court.

Councillor Lamb said: "The building is almost like a time capsule.

"When you go round The Guildhall, there's objects, paintings, that tell the story of Worcester as a city."

Heritage Open Days is a nationwide scheme, which sees hundreds of volunteers every September host events across the country. It's billed as "England's largest festival of history and culture."

When can I visit the buildings?

Tours of the Guildhall will start every hour between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 13th September.

Tours with the Mayor of the Guildhall and Mayor’s Parlour will take place on Friday 19 September between 2pm and 3.30pm, and on Saturday 20 September at 10am and 11am.

The Commandery will also be opening its doors free of charge from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 21 September.

Conservation architect Nick Joyce will deliver talks about restoration work at The Commandery at 10.30am and 1pm.

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