Inside the Guildhall’s medieval kitchens hidden for 60 years

ORIGINAL aspects of a historic medieval kitchen at Coventry’s St Mary’s Guildhall have been uncovered for the first time in more than 60 years.

The Local Democracy Service given an exclusive first look at newly uncovered elements of the 14th century kitchen this week.

It includes two original fireplaces, spits and chimneys which have not been seen since partition walls were put on top some 60 years ago.

Five weeks of work have been taking place to remove them and help assess what works can and can’t be done on the Grade I listed building.

It is all part of a wider multimillion pound transformation to help boost tourism at the Guildhall and make it financially sustainable.

Works are expected to cost between £5-7 million and a full application for the revamp is expected by March 1.

The kitchen - which is one of only five medieval kitchens which remain intact in the UK - forms a central part in the plans and will be re-opened to the public, complete with a ‘digital experience’ to demonstrate how it operated.

The kitchen has been used a working kitchen for the onsite restaurant in recent years.

Following recent works, specialist heritage architect and consultants will visit in the coming weeks to explore what works can be done on the Grade I listed kitchen.

Wider proposals for the Guildhall include transforming the site into a ‘premier’ events and conferencing facility, erecting a new rooftop bar terrace, and revamping the restaurant.

New ‘digital experiences’ will also be put up alongside the Coventry Tapestry to inform visitors of its history.

The Tapestry was created more than 500 years ago and is widely recognised as one of the rarest and most important examples of this art in the country.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration at the city council, said “It has been situated at the centre of Coventry’s history for years and years but not everybody knows about it.

“It should be seen by many more people which is why we are getting this investment.”

Cllr O’Boyle said the council wanted to open up the city’s history to its future.

“This is going to be the only medieval kitchen intact left in England and we are going to open it up for the people of Coventry and for visitors,” he said.

“I’m really excited about this because it will be a great offer for the people of Coventry.

“People’s knowledge of their own city is quite limited as Coventry has not been very good at telling its own story.

“That is what this is about, opening up Coventry’s history to Coventry’s future.”