Merchant Taylors' Hall, York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Merchant Taylors' Hall, York |
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The front of the Merchant Taylors' Hall showing the seventeenth-century red-brick cladding
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| General information | |
| Type | Medieval Guildhall |
| Location | York, England |
| Coordinates | 53°57′43″N 1°04′38″W / 53.961914°N 1.077184°W |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 14 June 1954 |
| Reference no. | 1259571 |
The Merchant Taylors' Hall in York, England, is a very old building. It's a guildhall, which means it was a meeting place for a group of skilled workers. This hall is close to the old city wall in an area called Aldwark.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Building a Guildhall
The Merchant Taylors' Hall was built around the year 1415. It was created by a group called the Fraternity of St John the Baptist. This group was closely linked to the Taylors' Guild. A guild was like a club for people who did the same job. In this case, it was for tailors.
What the Hall Looks Like
The outside of the hall got a new look in the 1600s. The main room inside is quite large. It measures about 60 feet (18 meters) long and 30 feet (9 meters) wide. The ceilings are also very high, reaching 30 feet (9 meters).
Next to the main hall is a room called the Counsel House. This room has two special stained glass windows. They were made by a famous York artist named Henry Gyles. One window shows Queen Anne. It was made to celebrate her becoming queen. The other window displays the symbol of the London Company of Merchant Taylors.
Fun and Entertainment
In the 1700s, the building was a popular spot for parties and shows. People would gather there for big dinners and entertainment. Some of the fun activities included rope dancing and tumbling. There was even a pantomime show. It was called "The Force of Magick or The Birth of Harlequin".
The Hall Today
The Guild of Merchant Taylors of York still uses this historic building. You can even rent it for events. It's just a short walk from here to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. That hall was originally for the Mercers' Guild in York.
