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Merchant Adventurers Hall, York

The Merchant Adventurers Hall in York is one of the finest surviving guildhalls in Britain. Built between 1357 and 1361, the Hall dates from a time when business was run on typically monopolistic lines. Merchants would organise themselves into guilds to protect their interests. Walking round the Guildhall a visitor gets a good sense of a medieval guild and its functions. In the Great Hall business was done and social events held. The Undercroft demonstrates the guild's charitable function, providing care for the sick and poor. Finally the Chapel demonstrates the guild's religious function. There's a sense that being in a guild was like being an employee of a particularly thrusting modern company which expects its people to work, socialise within and believe in the company. And of course a company magazine would detail good work done for charity by its employees each month. Images of working for Phones 4U ran through my mind as I walked round the Hall.

The Hall today has a a huge archive of documents relating to the Company of Merchant Adventurers. This collection has items dating back to the thirteenth century, and includes copies of original medieval charters, accounts, trade papers, maps and plans. Access to the archive for academic research is by appointment only. Ring the contact number below. There is also a collection of paintings - of past governors, and of views of York over the last two centuries - and a collection of furniture which includes an oak chest dating from the early 1300s. This once contained a complete set of deeds for buildings owned by the guild.

The Hall runs an educational programme, and can be hired for weddings or business events. There is an attractive garden outside, created after the First World War.

 

 

Opening Times: April to September, Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am - 3.30pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm.

October to March Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday 9am - 3.30pm, Sunday closed.

Sometimes the hall is closed for private functions or maintenance. Ring ahead to check. Closed between Christmas and New Year.

Address: The Merchant Adventurers Hall, Fossgate, York, YO1 9XD

Directions: The Hall is in the centre of York, between Piccadilly and Fossgate streets, close to the Fossbridge. There are a number of car parks on the inner ring road in York. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Merchant Adventurers Hall.

Access: There is level access from Fossgate. Adapted toilet facilities are provided.

Contact:

telephone: 01904 654818

web site: http://www.theyorkcompany.co.uk/index.php

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