Lavenham Guildhall

Lavenham Guildhall, is one of the finest timber-framed buildings in Britain and reflects the great wealth of Lavenham's early 16 century heyday.

A christening dress from 1860, a child’s pencil drawings, a soldier’s sweetheart token and a prized doll. What do all these new exhibits, taken from the Guildhall’s attic archive have in common? Find out by visiting our new exhibition: Secrets from the Attic.

Explore the picturesque streets of Lavenham, lined with fine examples of Medieval and Tudor timber-framed buildings from Lavenham's heyday.

What have a mummified cat, a rare Elizabethan horseshoe cabinet, a mortuary and a christening dress from 1860 have in common? Well they’re all to be found at Lavenham Guildhall. Discover five centuries of history through the stories and exploits of the people who shaped the Guildhall. You’d be surprised at what you’ll discover.

Step back through generations of black and white stills and film imagery at The Guildhall. Francis Lingard Ranson was instrumental in founding The Lavenham Preservation Society and his fascinating pictorial legacy echoes the Lavenham you see today.

Ready for a new discovery? Lavenham has had a turbulent five hundred years of history; this quintessential Suffolk gem has seen it all, from wealth and Hollywood glamour to extreme hardship and poverty.

Discover how the town’s fortunes altered from its 16th-century glory days. Learn how the changes affected the upkeep of the timber-framed buildings, including the Guildhall, which has changed its uses many times over the years.

Our project researchers were amongst a group of fantastic volunteers who have been delving into the Guildhall’s history. They’ve discovered many sad and evocative stories. One in particular was the connections between 12 year old Ann and the property.