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Often-asked
questions like 鈥榳hat was it like to be a prisoner awaiting execution
in the Guildhall cells?鈥, 鈥榟ow old is the civic sword?鈥, 鈥榟ow many
mayors have worn the golden Chain of Office?鈥, and 鈥榟ow many soldiers
died in the Battle of Worcester?鈥 will all be answered in a series
of free day-long tours and exhibitions.
The
Guildhall tours will be running all day on Sunday 14th September
with exhibitions running Sunday 14th and Monday 15th September.
The
story of soldiers from Worcestershire is also brought back to vivid
life in an exhibition of the County鈥檚 fighting men, and a demonstration
of battle stories from the past.
But
centred particularly on the history of the nearby Commandery - will
also form a focal point in the two-day exhibition taking up all
three floors of the Queen Anne building that鈥檚 been home to City
leaders since 1720.
A
specially-commissioned video production of the Guildhall鈥檚 past
and present will also be showing.
But
the event鈥檚 not all backwards-looking 鈥 and a special 4-terminal
internet caf茅 showing the wonders of the City Council鈥檚 website
will also be featured.
On
hand to welcome visitors throughout the day on Sunday will be the
Mayor Cllr Gareth Jones, and his historic sidesmen - the Mayor鈥檚
Officer, macebearers and sword-bearer 鈥 alongside the various histories
of Greyfriars, Witley Court, Kays and notable local organisations
including Royal Worcester.
鈥淭here鈥檚
a terrific amount of Worcester鈥檚 often-forgotten history being brought
to life in what鈥檚 promising to be a memorable weekend鈥 commented
the City Council鈥檚 Heritage Days Organiser, Claire Chaplin.
The
Guildhall is Worcester鈥檚 contribution to the nationwide Heritage
Open Days initiative celebrating England鈥檚 architecture and culture
by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that
are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge
an entrance fee.
Dr
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage who provide core
funding for the nationwide event, said that Heritage Open Days has
become an important part of the heritage calendar, allowing everyone
to enjoy, understand and feel a part of the country鈥檚 rich and diverse
cultural heritage.
鈥淔or
two days this will be the year鈥檚 best opportunity to look behind
the scenes at the Guildhall, to find out more about the City鈥檚 heritage,
and to step back a century or two in time.
"It
promises to be a great day out for all the family鈥 commented Claire
Chaplin.
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