[20
APR 00] ST MARY'S HALL, COVENTRY NEWS
St Mary's Hall Hears Voices From The PastSt Mary’s Hall is opening for the summer
season and visitors will be able to hear voices from the past.
THE OLD COUNCIL CHAMBER
[photograph by Avon Studios]
The 14th century
Guildhall has been adapted over the winter to make it come to life for visitors.
They will not only be
able to see the room where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned but also hear her voice.
Other characters also
associated with the hall, all played by actors, will be speaking through a new sound
system installed as part of the improvements.
It includes a
commentary of the history of the hall and scenes from its history, including an election
riot in the 18th century.
There is also a scene
from the famous trial in George Eliot’s Adam Bede, which is set in the historic hall.
Three touchscreens
explaining the history of the building, the people who used it and giving details of the
famous tapestry installed in 1500, have also been added.
Cllr Gillian Darby,
Chair of Coventry City Council’s Arts and Culture Policy Team, said:
“This is one in a
series of improvements we are making to this amazing building which will both help
preserve it, and make it more accessible to visitors.
“Already we have
had the paintings restored and also installed wheelchair access to the Great Hall.
“Later in the
year, the Tournai tapestry will be cleaned, and be re-cased and relit and changes are
planned to the lighting, which will make it easier to see many of the historic features of
the building.”
The hall will be open
from Easter Monday until the end of September, Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 4.30pm, but
it will be closed occasionally for works and civic function.
Opening
times can be checked on 024 7683 2381.
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