St Mary's Guildhall, Lincoln

Built about 1160 as a luxurious residence, or, as some sources tell us, as a royal palace. This fine medieval building later became the home of the Great Guild of St Mary. It is now the home of the Lincoln Civic Trust.

The Guildhall is built directly over the old Roman Fosse Way, and a section of the original Roman road can be seen inside the building. Note: do not confuse St Mary's Guildhall with the later Tudor Lincoln Guildhall at Stonebow, High Street.

St Mary's Guldhall is only a five minute walk off the main tourist trail of Lincoln's historic city centre, but is well worth the short excursion to view this fine medieval building. Limited opening hours; check with the Lincoln Civic Trust for their office hours, or ask at the TIC on High Street..