Set in the rolling countryside of North Essex less than an hour from London is the 15th century Guildhall Finchingfield. The Guildhall is an historic venue with its own interactive museum ideal for children, small shop, and library.

The Guildhall was built around 1470 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity to house a Guild of priests and to provide a schoolroom for the boys of the village. The Guildroom has been used for a place of learning for more than five centuries.  Recent restoration work has exposed scorch marks on the timbers of the Guildroom where priests attached wax tapers to light their studies at night.

The Building fell into disrepair and  following the second world war attempts were made to restore the site.  Unfortunately inappropriate materials were used, and architectural details were covered up.  In 2008 the Finchingfield Guildhall trust was formed to save the site from dereliction.  After several years bidding for funding, the build started in earnest in 2011.  Expert craftsmen were employed using ancient techniques, and local materials were sourced.

In keeping with its original purpose in 2014 the building is now a stimulating heritage based facility for all.  It is available as a venue hire and offers talk/tours for up to 25 including home made refreshments.

Front view

Rear view

Interactive education

Exhibition

Wedding

Front view

Inside