The present state of London: or, Memorials comprehending a full and succinct account of the ancient and modern state thereof. By Tho. De-Laune, Gent

Of the Guild-Hall.

PAge 160. The Reader was referred to what should be spoken about the great Guild-Hall, to the Chapter of Government, where an account has been given of the several Courts there, therefore there is no need of further addition here as to that, only we shall briefly remark its Antiquity.

Fabian says, that this Hall was begun to be built New, Anno 1411. 12 H. 4. By Sir Thomas Knolles then Lord Mayor, and his Brethren the Aldermen, and made a large and great House. 1 H. 6. The Exe∣cutors of Sir Richard Whittington gave towards the paving of this great Hall, 20 l. and next year 15 l. more, to the said pavement with hard stone of Pur∣beck; they also Glazed the Windows thereof, and of the Lord Mayors Court, on every of which the Arms of Sir Richard Whittington were placed. The Foundation of the Mayors Court was laid 3. H. 6. and of the Porch on the South-side of the Court; Then were built the Lord Mayors Chamber, the Councel-Chamber, and other Rooms above stairs. The New Councel-Chamber (a very good and ho∣nourable Deed) with a fair Room over it, ap∣pointed for a Treasury for the Books and Records of the City, and another Room underneath for necessary use and Employment, was begun, Anno 1614. and finished Michaelmas 1615. at the charge of 1740 l. which was well well bestowed. The Kitchins, &c. were built about Anno 1501. for accommodation of the Lord Mayors Feast, by means of Sir John Shaa, Goldsmith, Lord Mayor, who kept the first Lord Mayors Feast there, which were wont to be kept before in Merchant-Taylors, or Grocers-Hall, &c. The adjoyning Chappel or College of Mary Magdalen, and All-Saints, was called London-Col∣lege,

built, Anno 1299. which had a Custos, seven Chaplains, three Clerks, and four Quiristers. Ad∣joying to this Chappel was a fair and large Library, pertaining to the Guild-Hall and College; but the Books (to the quantity of three-score Cart∣loads* 1.1) in Edw. 6. time were sent for by Edw. Duke of Somerset, with promise to restore them, but they were never re∣turn'd. The Library was built by the Executors of Sir Richard Whittington aforesaid; and by W. Bury.

This great Guild-Hall was destroyed by the great Fire, 1666, but very Magnificently rebuilt; In the great Hall, on the East-end, it is very Richly hung with the lively Effigies of His Majesty and the Duke of York, and round about on all sides, it is adorn'd with the costly and lively Pictures of the great Mi∣nisters of State, and Judges of the Land. There are many large and spacious Courts and Offices, where the Respective Affairs of the City are managed as before in the Section of the Civil-Government of London.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Howel. p. 118.