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© Courtesy of the Company of Merchant Adventurers |
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'A Mistery of Mercers' - York's commercial heritage |
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The interest shared by members of the Company of Merchant Adventurers was overseas trade. By the mid-15th Century, the Merchant Adventurers belonged to the richest and most powerful guild in York.
The Hall
© Courtesy of the Company of Merchant Adventurers.
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The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is an impressive timber frame medieval building, dating from 1357-61. It is believed to be the finest medieval hall of its kind, and remains largely unaltered. The hall was built as a place for guild members to conduct business, throw parties and worship.
The ground level of the hall, the undercroft, housed an almshouse and chapel. Rumour has it that beds were positioned so the poor and needy could see into the chapel, supplying them with spiritual nourishment. The upper level consisted of the great hall, where business and feasts took place.
In his research into the guild, Professor D M Palliser discovered that in the late 15th Century, nearly as many women as men were joining the guild. Perhaps this can be explained by the popularity of the social events held at the hall, as it was rare for women to trade during the period.
End of an era?
At the 1821 Christmas feast, a poem written by one of the guild's members suggests how low the company's fortunes had sank: Then shall we meet (perhaps) some six or eight, With visage long, for all seems damp and cold. (Company History, Professor David Palliser) |
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During the 15th Century, the influence and power of the Company of Merchant Adventurers was at its peak; many of the city's mayors were members of the guild. This prestige is reflected by the entrance price to the Hall, almost double the average daily wage.
Into decline
Until the 1835 Municipal Corporation Act, the Company of Merchant Adventurers continued to exert great influence over trade within York. Now bereft of power, the guild continues to this day in its philanthropic role. The magnificent Hall is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is listed Grade I. Its great hall now plays host to weddings, dinners and exhibitions.
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