Venue Type & Location
Performance Spaces
Overview
Located on Mill Street, the Palmers' timber-framed guildhall was notable for being the only known aisled hall in Ludlow. Despite extensive 18th c. refurbishments, the hall retains its original 15th c. roof.
Performance History
The bailiffs' and chamberlains' accounts note a performance by the Queen's Players at the guildhall in 1559--60.
Current Status
History of the Venue
ca. 1410 Guildhall was built by the influential religious guild of Palmers.
1551 The guild surrendered much of its social function along with its property to the corporation of the town.
1552 Purchased by the town for civic use. Mainly used as a civil and quarter sessions court in the 16th c.
ca. 1768 New brick facade erected with gothic doorcase and 6 bays of windows by the design of Thomas Farnolls Pritchard. This refurbished exterior masks the earlier 15th c. timber-framed building. Legal courtroom fittings added to the interior.
Record Source
REED Shropshire 1.82
Patrons who owned this venue
[No data found.]
Bibliographic Sources
- Faraday, Michael. Ludlow 1085--1660: A Social, Economic and Political History. Chichester: Phillimore, 1991
- Lloyd, David, and Peter Klein. Ludlow: A Historic Town in Words and Pictures. Chichester: Phillimore, 1984
- Page, William, A.T. Gaydon and G.C. Baugh, eds. The Victoria History of the County of Shropshire. 11 vols. London: Archibald Constable, U of London, 1908--98
- Pevsner, Nikolaus. Shropshire. Harmondsworth, Midd: Penguin Books, 1958