King's Lynn Guildhall: the upper levels

Image: © Stefan Czapski Taken: 11 May 2008

This shows some details which aren't obvious from street level. At the bottom of the large panel in the middle of the picture is the motto DIEU ET MON DROIT, then in the little arch above it the words ELIZ: REGINA - so what we're looking at is the royal arms of Queen Elizabeth I. The poor old Lion and Unicorn are badly weathered away. Above the window on the right, at this same level, is the date: ANNO DNI: 1624. In the corresponding position over the left-hand window is the name of the MAIOR (mayor) in that year - it looks to me like HARGAT. At the very top of the building is a similar panel (or 'cartouche'), but somewhat smaller. In the middle again the royal arms, to the left the name WILLIAM WHARTON, to the right the inscription MAIOR 1664. By that date, King Charles II had been welcomed back, Cromwell's republic was a thing of the past. You are left wondering how long it took to get this building finished.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0