Often-asked questions like ‘what was it like to be a prisoner awaiting execution in the Guildhall cells?’, ‘how old is the civic sword?’, ‘how many mayors have worn the golden Chain of Office?’, and ‘how many soldiers died in the Battle of Worcester?’ will all be answered in a series of free day-long tours and exhibitions.

The Guildhall tours will be running all day on Sunday 14th September with exhibitions running Sunday 14th and Monday 15th September.

The story of soldiers from Worcestershire is also brought back to vivid life in an exhibition of the County’s fighting men, and a demonstration of battle stories from the past.

But centred particularly on the history of the nearby Commandery - will also form a focal point in the two-day exhibition taking up all three floors of the Queen Anne building that’s been home to City leaders since 1720.

A specially-commissioned video production of the Guildhall’s past and present will also be showing.

But the event’s not all backwards-looking – and a special 4-terminal internet café showing the wonders of the City Council’s website cityofworcester.gov.uk will also be featured.

On hand to welcome visitors throughout the day on Sunday will be the Mayor Cllr Gareth Jones, and his historic sidesmen - the Mayor’s Officer, macebearers and sword-bearer – alongside the various histories of Greyfriars, Witley Court, Kays and notable local organisations including Royal Worcester.

“There’s a terrific amount of Worcester’s often-forgotten history being brought to life in what’s promising to be a memorable weekend” commented the City Council’s Heritage Days Organiser, Claire Chaplin.

The Guildhall is Worcester’s contribution to the nationwide Heritage Open Days initiative celebrating England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage who provide core funding for the nationwide event, said that Heritage Open Days has become an important part of the heritage calendar, allowing everyone to enjoy, understand and feel a part of the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

“For two days this will be the year’s best opportunity to look behind the scenes at the Guildhall, to find out more about the City’s heritage, and to step back a century or two in time.

"It promises to be a great day out for all the family” commented Claire Chaplin.