Great Hall

Guildhall’s largest space is meant to impress

The spectacular setting for the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet since 1502, this vast, medieval hall is available for daytime, evening and all-day hire and naturally lends itself to large dinners and receptions.

With a soaring, high-arched ceiling and two huge, Gothic stained-glass windows emblazoned with the names of past Lord Mayors, Great Hall’s unique history is told through distinctive and evocative features that can be adapted to a variety of events, styles and numbers.

As the stage for state trials such as that of Lady Jane Grey, guests will never be short of talking points.

Max Capacities

Reception900

Theatre Style760

Round Tables628

Sprigs704

Cabaret320

Classroom210

Typical set ups

Reception

Theatre

Rounds

See all floorplans

Good to know

An additional room included — either the spacious Old Library or atmospheric Crypts

In-built stage ideal for back projection

Galleries overlooking Great Hall — perfect for production, photography or entertainment

Adjoining kitchen facilities

Credit 1

Dan Chung @2021

See visual guide to the Great Hall

Did you know?

The Great Hall is 153ft long, 85ft high, with 5ft thick walls

Taking place almost entirely in silence, a new Lord Mayor takes office each year at the centuries-old Silent Ceremony held in the Great Hall

There have been 695 Lord Mayors of London, the first being Henry Fitz Ailwin in 1189, during the reign of Richard I. The most famous is Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington, who was Mayor 4 times

The current and 695th Lord Mayor is Alderman Michael Mainelli

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