Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, is expressing concerns about restricted access to a historically significant artifact—the death mask of William Guise, a figure from the English Civil War era. This mask is currently housed in the former Costa Coffee shop on Worcester’s High Street, which recently closed. William Guise, a local tailor, played a pivotal role during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 by disclosing royalist plans to Oliver Cromwell, resulting in his execution. A death mask was created as a macabre memorial and placed within the building.

Despite the closure of Costa Coffee, the valuable relic remains in the closed shop, and Mr. Daniels is advocating for continued public access. The Battle of Worcester Society suggests occasional visits for community groups to view the death mask, viewing this as a gesture of goodwill and a way to maintain historical engagement.

However, access to the mask is currently tied to property viewings, as the building is up for lease. The landlord, Johnson Fellows, based in Birmingham, asserts that access is available upon request but must align with scheduled viewings for potential tenants. While there has been a reported lack of interest from prospective tenants, the spokesman for Johnson Fellows emphasizes the openness to access during viewings and extends an invitation for Mr. Daniels to inspect the site next week.

The building, a grade II listed medieval merchant’s house, has a rich history, previously serving as The Golden Lion pub. William Guise’s death mask, positioned within the closed coffee shop, symbolizes a connection to Worcester’s historical past, and its restricted access has sparked concerns among heritage enthusiasts and local communities.