Worcester’s historic buildings will be opening their doors to the public for free next month, allowing tales of their past to be told.
Worcester Heritage Open Days, running between 6 and 15 September, will see free guided tours and activities held in some of the city’s oldest buildings.
As part of the initiative, the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott, will be welcoming people to the Guildhall, where visitors can learn more about the heritage of the building and its former use.
The Guildhall was built in 1721 and was once the seat of justice for the city. The holding cells, where criminals stayed before appearing in court, are an atmospheric part of the building that still fascinate visitors today.
Guided tours around the Guildhall will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 7 September.
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott, said: “Worcester is full of beautiful and historic buildings and many have a story or two to tell. The Guildhall history is fascinating for residents and visitors.
“Please do come to the Guildhall on Saturday 7 September for a tour and a visit to the Mayor's Parlour. This event plus many more, are free for Heritage Open Week, and you can find full details at the Heritage Open Days website."
Built on the site of an early medieval chapel, The Commandery is steeped in heritage and even played a role in the Civil War. It will be open for free between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 15 September, allowing people to discover the beautifully preserved medieval wall paintings and spacious walled gardens.
Another building opening its doors is St Swithun’s Church off Worcester’s High Street, which has recently been renovated and is full of memorials and plaques. On Friday 6 September and Saturday 7 September, it will be open and Hidden Parts Tours held.
Rarely seen by visitors, the Greyfriars House and Garden north wing in Friar Street is also hosting guided tours on Friday and Saturdays between 7 and 15 September.
Meanwhile, the Tudor House in Friar Street will be showcasing its recent Tudor Textiles – Bedfellows project, which saw a team of volunteers recreate Tudor-style curtains and a counterpane (bedspread) for a four-poster bed, using traditional techniques. You can meet the Bedfellows group who created the project and explore Tudor House on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September.
At Worcester Cathedral, you can join graffiti tours to learn about the marks left by people who built and worshipped there, and also take part in family workshops. The tours are part of a range of free activities at the Cathedral on Saturday 14 September.
There will also be a new exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum; a tour of the Worcester News’s newspaper archives; a talk on the Butts Spur railway line; and flower modelling and ceramic painting demonstration at the Museum of Royal Worcester.
For more information visit the Worcester Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall, speak to the friendly team and pick up a free Worcester Heritage Open Days guide.
Alternatively, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
