RESIDENTS and visitors will be given the opportunity to tour Harwich's Guildhall as part of National Heritage Weekend.

Harwich Town Council will be opening the Guildhall free of charge to the public for tours between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Harwich Town Council said it considers itself extremely fortunate to have the voluntary services of two dedicated and experienced honorary archivists in Ray Plummer and Anne Kemp-Luck and both will be on hand to show visitors the building itself and the wealth of fascinating items held within the council archive.

Mr Plummer said: “It is always a great pleasure to show visitors around and National Heritage Weekend is a great opportunity to see Harwich’s history come to life.

"The Guildhall is home to a wealth of fascinating material and much of it will be on display.”

From the original 1604 Royal Charter bearing the name of Christopher Jones, the master of the Mayflower, to the intricate ships carved into the wooden walls of the jail by Napoleonic prisoners, the Guildhall is worth a visit.

Garry Calver, chairman of the council’s finance committee, said: “Harwich Town Council is proud to be the custodian of so much history and heritage and we love the chance to show it off to visitors.

"Whether you have lived here all of your life or have just moved to our special little town you should take the opportunity to see what is inside Harwich’s Guildhall.”