Ghostly tales, ‘grime and punishment’ and enchanting Tudor folklore will be brought to life at a 14th century hidden gem in the West Midlands this Halloween.
St Mary’s Guildhall, which dates back to 1342, is inviting groups to embark on a captivating journey through seven centuries of history in one of the most haunted areas of Coventry – the world-renowned Cathedral Quarter.
The award-winning visitor attraction is hosting its Guildhall Ghost Stories tour on October 21 and 22, where visitors can hear tales of paranormal phenomena and ghostly sightings in the stunning, atmospheric building.
Groups can also discover the newly unveiled medieval kitchen, where the Guildhall’s Tudor guide will explain Tudor superstitions and what they did to ward off evil, as well finding out about the macabre punishments they had such as the ‘scold’s bridle’.
Fans of the supernatural can also to come face-to-face with ‘WhatsIt,’ the real life ‘ghost owl,’ previously believed to embody the symbolism of death.
Walking in the footsteps of historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Frederick Douglass, the guided tour will also immerse guests in centuries of enthralling history that unfolded in Coventry beyond the Tudor period.
Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “St Mary’s Guildhall offers incredible history to explore in every corner, from the Great Hall which houses the famous 500-year-old Coventry Tapestry to the likes of the treasury which held the crown jewels during the War of the Roses.
“Our Guildhall Ghost Stories tour is a chance for visitors from far and wide to be immersed in tales from hundreds of years ago and be fascinated by superstitions, folklore and tales of ghoulish happenings.”
This event is currently open for group bookings of 10 or more at just £12 per person. The experience is estimated to take around one hour with additional free time to explore the building. To book please email traveltrade@noordinaryhospitality.com
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, sustains ongoing events, activities, and capital investment at St. Mary’s Guildhall. Enhancing access to the venue and the renowned Coventry Tapestry. This support enables St. Mary’s Guildhall to operate year-round as a heritage visitor attraction, underscoring its significance in the city and welcoming a broader spectrum of visitors to uncover its captivating historical narratives.