This weekend has been the York Resident's Festival, where various museums and attractions give residents free or reduced price admission in thanks for their support of the tourist industry. Katharine and I have been enjoying the hospitality of a number of locations, and the Merchant Adventurers' Hall was one of them.
The Hall was the everyday base for the 160 members of the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York. A Merchant Adventurer was someone who risked or ‘adventured’ his or her own money in overseas trade bringing back goods and wealth to York.
The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is of major national importance and is a Grade I Listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. It was built between 1357 and 1361, before most of the craft or trade guild halls in Britain, making it one of the largest buildings of its kind and date in Britain. It is very unusual to be able to see 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 and religious in the Chapel.
This shot shows the Great Hall. Impressive though it looks, it is even more impressive when you realise that this is the upper floor of the building, with another massive room below.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It is quite remarkable that the structure of this building is of timber, and it is quite fascinating to see how it was constructed. There is a model near the entrance to the Great Hall which explains it.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It is quite remarkable that the structure of this building is of timber, and it is quite fascinating to see how it was constructed. There is a model near the entrance to the Great Hall which explains it.
Ian
It's fascinating to explore, and is a great subject for photos. Next weekend is the ice trail - another great photo opportunity!
Ian
Thank you both - it has an impressive title to match the impressive structure!
Ian