Remains of Guildhall Chapel

This view through an archway of Blackwell Hall, in Cateaton Street,( today's Gresham Street) shows the Guildhall Chapel being demolished. The Guildhall stands behind and provides a striking contrast with the shattered building. Demolition was completed in 1822. Blackwall Hall and Guildhall Chapel were demolished to make way for the building of Guildhall law courts.

In the immediate foreground, two men are attempting to lift a coat of arms, carved in wood, which hung over the grand entrance of Blackwell Hall in KIng Street.

Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie was a topographical draughtsman who contributed drawings to various publications, including Hughson's 'Description of London' and Wilkinson's 'Londina illustrata' (1808-25). Between 1803 and 1821, he occasionally exhibited views of old buildings at the Royal Academy. There is another almost identical version of this view by Schnebbelie in the Guildhall Library Print Room.