THE hidden and sometimes horrible history of Worcester was laid bare during a heritage open day.

Visitors could delve into parts of Worcester Guildhall not usually open to the public on Saturday, including the gloomy cells were murderers and robbers waited before they were taken to the scaffold to be hanged.

Some took a tour of the the Mayor's Parlour where they learned from sergeant mace Mark Harding about the sword of state which is more than 5ft long and about the ceremonial mace, turned upside-down in the presence of the Queen.

Others ventured down to the cells, believed to date back to 1721 which were holding cells for what was the Assize Court above.

Visitors learned how huge numbers of capital sentences were given out in the court room above and could examine a list of executions and reprieves dating back to 1800.

Among those to visit the cells were Bex Henson and Annie Henson with Taylor Henson, eight, Dillon Henson, seven, and Cailyn Henson, four.

Bex Henson of Tunnel Hill, Worcester, said: "I have lived here all my life and never even know these cells existed."

The children's favourite part was a chance to hold the sword of state. Dillon said: "It was kind of heavy but I'm strong."

Information displays provided details about the history of Worcester including the granting of a charter to the people of the city by Henry III in 1227 which gave them certain privileges including permitting them to establish a guild of merchants. A throne from 1783 was among the exhibits on display and many photographs of past dignitaries of the city.