The Guildhall is in the heart of the City of London and has been the seat of the City administration for over 800 years. The medieval style great hall which replaced the 15th century original, is still used for the City's formal civic occasions. There are several other historic interiors in the complex, including the crypt, the old library, and the print room.
During the Roman period it was the site of an amphitheatre, partial remains can be seen in the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery which is open to the public(on Fridays and daily after 3.30 it is free to enter, an admission fee is charged at other times).
Parts of the current building date from 1411 and survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 but extensive damage occurred during the Blitz.
The giants, Gog and Magog, have long been associated with the Guildhall. An ancient legend tells of the giants been chained to the gates of a palace on the site of Guildhall. Carvings of Gog and Magog are kept in the Guildhall. They are paraded in the annual Lord Mayor's Show just as ancient versions of the giants (made from wicker) were carried through the streets long ago.
Nearest tube: St. Paul's or Bank.
