Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

About

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in York is a historic, timber-framed building on the banks of the River Foss. The hall was built in 1357 as a base for a religious fraternity of important men and women. Here they would conduct charity, business and worship. By 1430, most of the members of the fraternity were mercers. Subsequently, the group set up a guild and trading association. In 1585, Queen Elizabeth 1 awarded a royal charter to The Company of Merchant Adventurers based at the hall. Today, the group still operates and are important to business in York. Additionally, they have 170 members from a range of professions and have 2 charitable trusts. Furthermore, they continue to maintain the hall as a museum and monument for the public to visit.

What is there to do at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall?

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in York has lots of history for visitors to explore, including:

• The Great Hall – room where the medieval merchants carried out business and socialised
• The Undercroft –  used as an almshouse for the sick and poor until around 1900
• The Chapel – room used for religious care for merchants and almshouse residents
• Collections – silver, furniture and paintings throughout the rooms which demonstrate the history of the hall
• Two Rivers Trail – see the historical importance of the River Ouse and River Foss explored through the hall’s collections

The hall is home to the Merchant Coffee House café where visitors can find replenishments. Also, the venue is available to hire for events and weddings. Furthermore, the hall is still the base of 160 members to this day.

To find out more about visiting or hiring Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, click here.

Accessibility

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall has a level entrance available which is wheelchair accessible. Inside, there is a platform lift which allows access to both floors of the building. A concession ticket is available for disabled visitors as well a free ticket for their carer. In terms of parking, there are 2 blue badge spots on the road of the hall which are a 5 minute walk away. Alternatively, the nearest carpark is Coppergate Centre which has disabled bays available. Assistance dogs are permitted in the hall.

Noise levels at the hall may be high when it is busier as it is an indoor space. It may be advisable to visit after 3pm on a weekday during term time for a quieter slot, as they sometimes host school trips. However, there is no dedicated quiet time to visit.

For more information about places to visit in York, visit the Eric Knows website.