Guildhall

The Guildhall (Number 3)

This, the third of the four oldest buildings in Carlisle, is the only remaining major timber-framed building in the whole of Cumbria. The Guildhall was originally named Redness Hall as it belonged, in the late 14th century, to a merchant, Richard de Redness. It is thought that it was built with shops below and workshops above. The house he built behind has since gone. For a long time the building was the meeting place of the eight trade guilds of the city - Merchants, Smiths, Weavers, Tailors, Butchers, Shoemakers, Skinners and Glovers.

The building was extensively renovated in 1978, but much of the early timber survives; the projecting out of the upper floors is characteristic of timber-framed structures.

Now the lower floor is a restaurant and there is supposed to be a Museum above. I have yet to find this open. I need to ask at Tullie House, as it is apparently their outstation.