A rare and chilling relic from England’s tumultuous past could soon find a new home in a Worcester museum. The death mask of William Guise, a local tailor who betrayed the Royalists during the Battle of Worcester in 1651, has been hidden away within the former Costa Coffee building on the city’s High Street.
Now, as the building undergoes renovations, discussions are underway to preserve and potentially display this significant historical artifact. The death mask, a poignant reminder of the Civil War’s brutality, has long been a point of interest for local history enthusiasts.
Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, expressed optimism about the possibility of relocating the mask. “We’re working closely with the building owner and Worcester City Council to find a suitable new home,” he said. “The goal is to ensure that this important piece of our city’s history remains accessible to future generations.”
Paul Harding of Discover History suggested that the Worcester Guildhall, located directly across from the former Costa, would be an ideal location for the replica death mask. However, he believes that the original should remain in or near its current location. “Guise’s betrayal played a crucial role in the outcome of the Battle of Worcester,” Harding explained. “Displaying the death mask near the site of his treachery would be a powerful reminder of the city’s complex history.”
Worcester City Council has indicated that they are actively involved in the discussions and are committed to finding a solution that preserves the integrity of the death mask. “We’re working with the Battle of Worcester Society and the building owner to determine the best way to move the masks without damaging them,” a spokesperson said. “If we can safely relocate them, we’ll be able to share this important historical artifact with a wider audience.”
As the negotiations continue, the fate of William Guise’s death mask remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: this hidden treasure holds a significant place in Worcester’s history, and its preservation is a matter of great importance to the city’s residents and heritage enthusiasts alike.
