Why visit Beverley Guildhall
The Beverley Guildhall is a stunning historic building that was traditionally used as a meeting place for the town Governors and a magistrates' court. Today it is open to the public once a week and part of the building is run as a community museum for the town.
A visit could include a brief tour of the building, information about the Guildhall's historic role as a courtroom, looking at objects relating to crime and punishment, an explanation of the building's current role as a community museum.
On display are paintings from the art gallery collection, historic furniture, a collection of silver and pewter, medieval timbered walls and magnificent stucco plasterwork, all of which are appropriate for art and design activities. There is also a wealth of local history information which may provide a useful history resource.
Curriculum links
Curriculum links include history, art and design and citizenship.
Your visit
Group visits must be arranged in advance. Schools and group leaders are responsible for carrying out their own risk assessment according to their school's/organisation's policy. It is recommended that a preparatory site visit is made. Further help and information on risk assessments at Beverley Guildhall is on the printable guide available to download below. It is recommended that group visits are made from Tuesday or Thursday, while the building is not open to the public, to allow for undisturbed free exploration. Self-directed visits on a Friday also need to be booked in advance even though the building is open to the public. Group leaders are advised to carry list of the children and adults with the group that day at all times during their visit or workshop. For groups of over 20 children it is recommended that the groups are split into two, with one half doing the trail while the other is given the presentation, and vice versa.
There is a minimum level of adult supervision required for group visits:
- EYFS groups (aged up to 5) - 1 adult to 6 children.
- Y1 to Y6 pupils (aged 5 - 11) - 1 adult to 8 children.
- Y7 and above (age 11 and over) - appropriate to the activity.
Beverley Guildhall has Public Liability Insurance.
Activities
During a visit to the Guildhall any or all of the following elements can be offered:
- A tour of the building by the Curator, with descriptions of the history, architecture and past usage of the building (lasts about 20-30 minutes)
- A short presentation on the Guildhall's historic role as a courtroom, items from the collection relating to crime and punishment, and the building's present role as a community museum (lasts about 15-20 minutes)
- A 'detective trail' in which the members of the group can explore the building by themselves, usually in pairs, with the curator on hand to answer questions (can last as long as required but 30-40 minutes is usually sufficient)
- For younger children there is a visual 'Find the Pieces' trail that uses observation skills to look at the paintings, furniture and other objects around the building
- The Guildhall has paintings from the art gallery collection, historic furniture, a collection of silver and pewter, medieval timbered walls and stucco plasterwork, all of which are appropriate for art activities in free time if required.
Facilities and Access Aids
- There is no disabled access to the first floor or part of the Courtroom.
- Toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet, are located on the ground floor.
- Coats and bags can be stored during the visit.
- For further venue information, including parking, please visit the Beverley Guildhall venue page.
Download printable guide