Lavenham Guildhall

Lavenham Guildhall front in market square in the sunshine

Intriguing stories

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Lavenham Guildhall

Things to see and do

Lavenham Guildhall front in market square in the sunshine

Get the most from the 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.

St Peter and St Paul Church, Lavenham, Suffolk

Out and about in Lavenham 

You’ll make your visit to Lavenham even more memorable when you discover the characters and history of the place. Get the full rundown of all that you might enjoy while you’re here.

Lavenham Guildhall yummy homemade afternoon tea

Living history at the Guildhall and afternoon delights in the tearoom 

As a special treat for October only, our lovely tearoom staff have created a special afternoon tea. So why not treat yourself after a visit to our glorious Guildhall?

Visitors on a group tour of the village with the Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

Walking stretches the mind as well as the legs in Lavenham 

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.

Ranson's mock up studio at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

A tailor whose real love was photography and conservation 

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.

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  • Brown Argus butterflies in the wood, in Lavenham, Sufolk

    Lavenham woodland walk 

    Spot butterflies in Dyehouse Field, also known as the Woodland Project, and lots of bird species along the disused railway line as you follow this circular walk starting at the Guildhall.

  • The West Front of Melford Hall, Suffolk

    Lavenham to Long Melford railway walk 

    Walk amid wildflowers, birds and animals along the disused railway line between two medieval ‘wool’ villages, starting at the Guildhall and finishing at Melford Hall, Long Melford.

  • Family outside Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

    Lavenham crooked houses walk 

    Children over six will love to spot the hidden characters and find the patterns on this easy one-mile walk around Lavenham. Collect your compass from the Guildhall before you start. A £10 deposit applies.

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Lavenham Guildhall

What's on 

Upcoming events

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Lavenham by Lantern Light

Fri 04 Nov 2016
18:30-20:00
See the medieval village of Lavenham in a whole new light on our Lantern Walk. The beautiful timber-framed buildings will come alive as you listen to the history of this hidden gem.

Boom and Bust of Medieval Lavenham - Lecture Lunch

Tue 15 Nov 2016
10:45-14:00
Lavenham grew to be one of the richest towns in Tudor England. Learn about how it made its money and why it retains such a wealth of historic buildings. Includes refreshments and two course lunch.

Pageants, Priests and Purgatory - Lecture Lunch

Wed 07 Dec 2016
10:45-14:00
Join us for coffee and an informative illustrated talk by Jane Gosling; followed by lunch in our lovely beamed tea-room.
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Lavenham Guildhall

Eating and shopping

Tearoom at Lavenham Guildhall Suffolk

Eat in or take something away 

Treat yourself to a cuppa and a freshly baked cake in our Tudor tea-room or take home a souvenir from our shop which has a fine selection of gifts and cards. Or how about a locally grown plant?

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Lavenham Guildhall

History

Old photo of Lavenham Guildhall with old woman

History of Lavenham Guildhall 

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.

Wooden sign of bridewell conditions

Orphaned and in trouble 

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.

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Lavenham Guildhall

Get involved

Volunteer Room Guides at the Guildhall Lavenham

Join our team 

Volunteering with us is fun, sociable and a great way of meeting people from all around the world.

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Lavenham Guildhall

Our work

Upper storey and gable of Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

A look at limewashing 

Limewashing is carried out on many of Lavenham’s timber-framed buildings, including the Guildhall. Discover why we do this and how this traditional finish fits in with our conservation principles.

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