Fears for future of former Golden Lion pub as Costa moves out

Daniel Daniels, chair for the Battle of Worcester Society, said he had received many enquiries over the future of the former Costa Coffee building opposite the Guildhall on High Street.

The building is notable for having the death mask of William Guise - a Worcester citizen who played a crucial role in the Battle of Worcester by alerting Oliver Cromwell of the Royalist plans during the English Civil War.

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Costa Coffee opened its new store in the former Paperchase building, also on High Street, leaving the historical venue behind.

The new Costa Coffee building has replaced Paperchase. (Image: NQ)

The branch closed its doors for the final time on Wednesday, September 13, and all staff have now moved to the new location.

The building was previously The Golden Lion pub with a statue of the animal still sitting on the building's wall after a campaign to see the statue returned after it was removed because of storm damage.

It is believed that the Golden Lion existed as a pub from at least the 16th Century.

The grade II listed building was once a mediaeval merchant’s house believed to have been built in the late 14th or early 15th century.

However, residents have begun to speculate what the historic building will be.

"We would not like it locked up and people not to be able to see anything," Mr Daniels said.

"We should commend and be proud of our heritage and it should not be boarded up.

"It would be nice to have something more accessible for people.

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"It would be good to see something else done, but we need to know who owns it and their plans before commenting on what we would like."

Despite this, he did say he would favour a museum commemorating the site.

William Guise was hung after revealing the Royalist plans to Oliver Cromwell, and a death mask was created of his face and put inside the building. 

The historic building is home to a death mask. (Image: NQ)

Mr Daniels hopes everyone will be able to see the mask again and learn its cultural significance to the city. 

"He was caught, hanged, and a death mask was made and set in the wall at the back of the shop.

"It is significant, and Cromwell even rewarded his widow.

"He was one of the few ordinary citizens remaining in history - everyone knows of Oliver Cromwell, but he was just a citizen."

It is not currently known what will happen to the former Costa Coffee building.

The new Costa Coffee opened its doors for the first time on Friday (September 15).