Guild of the Holy Cross (Stratford-upon-Avon)

The Guild of the Holy Cross was a medieval religious and social organization in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Founded sometime before 1269, it served as a focal point for the town's religious life, civic administration, and charitable activities. Guild members, drawn from the wealthier and more influential citizens of Stratford, supported a chaplain, maintained a chapel (now part of the King Edward VI School), and provided for the poor, sick, and elderly.

The Guild played a significant role in the governance of Stratford, effectively running the town for many years. Its members oversaw infrastructure projects, regulated trade, and maintained order. The Guildhall, which still stands today, served as the center of Guild administration and justice.

The Guild's activities were dissolved in 1547 under the Act of Suppression of Religious Guilds during the reign of King Edward VI, as part of the broader English Reformation. Its lands and assets were seized by the Crown. However, the Guild's former chapel and hall were later repurposed for use by the King Edward VI School, ensuring their continued presence in the town's landscape and history. The surviving Guildhall building provides a tangible link to the Guild's history and is a notable example of medieval architecture. Its painted walls offer insights into the beliefs and practices of the Guild members.