Merchant Adventurers' Hall

In 1357 a number of influential men and women came together to form a religious fraternity and to build the Hall. By 1430 most members were merchants and mercers, and alongside the fraternity they set up a trading association or guild. They used the Hall to transact their business affairs, to meet together socially, to look after the poor and to pray to God.

Today the Guild (or Company as it is now called) is no longer a trading association. It does however still administer charities and hold services in its Chapel. It still owns the Hall, but as a trustee for visitors to enjoy its history and sense the great part which it once played in the creation of wealth over much of the north of England.

The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is of major national importance and is scheduled as an ancient monument. It was built between 1357-1361 and is one of the largest buildings of its date in Britain apart from castles, barns and churches. Probably nowhere else in the world can be seen in one building the three rooms serving the three functions of a medieval guild: business and social in the Great Hall, charitable in the Undercroft or Hospital and religious in the Chapel. The Hall contains fine collections of paintings, furniture and silver all of which are on display to the public.

The Company of Merchant Adventurers recognise the Hall's importance as a place to educate people of all generations and an audio tour of the Hall is included with your visit. The Hall is also scattered with numerous interesting display boards describing the lives of the medieval merchants. The Hall is available for hire for wedding receptions and other events, seating up to 180 with 26 in a smaller room. The profit from admission charges and hiring out the Hall goes solely towards its maintenance.

New for 2007, Meet the Merchants! hands-on computer exhibition to celebrate 650 years of the Merchant Adventurers' Hall.