The History of the Stained-Glass Window

The previous town hall looked quite different to the current Guildhall. The courtroom, where the stained-glass window can be viewed, was built in 1579. In 1906, in memory of a Town Clerk that had passed away, the window was added to the building. The façade of the building was altered over time until the most recent change; adding the additional section to make it L-shaped in 1973.

The stained-glass window depicts the visit from Queen Elizabeth I in 1573. The large stone gate seen behind the crowds is Sandown Gate, one of the previous gates into the town, which no longer exists. It is said the queen was visiting on her way to Canterbury for her 40th birthday. She entered the town through Sandown Gate and left via Canterbury Gate, which was on the other side of the town in the direction of Richborough. The scene shows the queen being greeted by the Mayor of Sandwich. He is knelt on the floor, offering a mace to the queen, a demonstration of surrendering his power to her. Although gold in colour, the town’s maces are actually gilt silver. They can be viewed in the museum today. The smallest one is said to be the one that was held by Queen Elizabeth I. Ever since 1457, when the French raided the town and killed Mayor John Drury, the Mayor of Sandwich has worn black robes. However, the mayor is depicted in the window wearing red robes, because it is believed the queen did not want to meet a mayor wearing black.