Bury St Edmunds Guildhall Heritage Open Day
Part of Heritage Open Days
Location
Bury St Edmunds Guildhall, Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1PR
Telephone
01284 247037- Date
- 20th September 2026
- Time
- 11:00am - 3:00pm
About this event
Enjoy a weekend of re-enactment in an 800-year-old Grade I listed building in Suffolk.
Explore the stories of unsung heroes in the WWII Royal Observer Corps Operations Room, and wander in the beautiful walled gardens. Step back in time and immerse yourself in history at the Guildhall's Open Day event featuring the World War Two Operations room and captivating 17th-century reenactors.
On Sunday, September 20th, witness the precision and dedication of a Master Scribe as he brings to life the art of calligraphy and explains the tools of his trade. Meet his dear Wife, Goody, the linchpin of a 17th-century home, and learn about her daily activities around the household.
You will also have free entry to a truly unique local feature - the Guildhall ROC Operations Room - the last of its kind left in the country. The Ops Room was the wartime home of the 14 Group Royal Observer Corps (ROC) whose incredible efforts helped win the Battle of Britain. Visit the Guildhall during Heritage Open Days to explore the untold stories of these everyday heroes.
Wander in the beautiful walled garden, lovingly crafted from a wilderness over the last five years, thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers. In our sensory garden, discover more about the creative use of herbs and other plants throughout the ages.
Engage with knowledgeable guides who will transport you back in time with fascinating stories and historical anecdotes. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the past firsthand and discover the rich tapestry of our shared heritage at the Guildhall's Open Day.
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About the Venue
The earliest written mention of the Guildhall is in 1279, when the Bury St Edmunds Chronicle recorded the arrival of two visiting Lords. Recent archaeological discoveries suggest the building is much older, possibly dating to the mid-1100s.
It was built to host the local Guildhall Merchant, a group that oversaw all the business of the town, which was then at the heart of the lucrative wool trade. As a centre of civic power, the Guildhall became a bitter rival of the powerful Abbey of St Edmund and was a focal point for the town’s own peasants’ revolt in the 1300s - when a group of monks were held hostage within its secure walls.
The great and the good who ran the Guildhall used their wealth and influence to fight for the rights of the town’s ordinary citizens. They delivered justice in the Courtroom, turned the Tudor Kitchen into a soup kitchen in times of need, and offered the Banqueting Hall as a meeting space for the most important discussions of the day – including the fight to abolish the slave trade.
The Guildhall was also home to a group of remarkable, but unsung, local heroes, who helped change the course of the Second World War. The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) was a civil defence organisation which tracked aircraft movements above the skies of Britain. Their information was sent to RAF Fighter Command and helped to save thousands of lives. The Guildhall’s ROC Operations Room is the only surviving one of its kind in the world – a small space with an incredible story to tell.
Dog Friendly
The Guildhall welcomes ‘well-behaved’ dogs on leads.
Book a Private Tour
Join us on a journey through the Guildhall’s remarkable 800-year history on one of our guided tours.
Tickets are £7.50 per person. Minimum group size is 2 people. Children under 12 go free.
Please give at least 10 days’ notice when booking a tour. If you are not able to do this, we will do our best to schedule your visit at a convenient date and time.
ROC Operations Room Open Days
Explore the only surviving WWII Royal Observer Corps (ROC) Operations Room in the country!
Meet our experienced volunteers and discover the stories of the remarkable everyday heroes who worked in the Ops Room to save thousands of lives during the Battle of Britain and beyond — all as part of this FREE open day.
We also offer a range of cultural events including exhibitions, talks, concerts, and workshops. To find out more about our programme of events, venue hire, or private tours please visit our website.
Opening times: Office opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm. The venue is open to the public during scheduled events only, which will be advertised on our website.
