Just a few minutes ago we were stepping away from the cozy corners of The Blue Bell, and now, we find ourselves at the back of something truly magnificent. Peeking through the surroundings here on your left, you can catch sight of the Merchant Adventurers' Hall.
Even from this partially hidden vantage point, you can sense the sheer weight of history. Built in 1357, this is the largest timber-framed building in the entire United Kingdom still standing and used for its original purpose. Imagine the labor it took to construct the Great Hall over five long years. Its massive roof is held up by a grand row of central timber posts and complex crown posts, all locked together with wooden pegs instead of iron nails.
What touches my heart most is why it was built. A group of influential men and women created this space not just for business, but for care. Down in the undercroft... the lower supporting floor... they established a hospital in 1371 to care for the poor and ill of York. There is even a beautiful attached chapel there that is still used for worship today.
Over the centuries, this group gained royal charters from King Henry VI and Queen Elizabeth the First, eventually becoming the Company of Merchant Adventurers in 1581. Remarkably, that company still exists today as a charitable membership group, keeping their ancient records safe inside.
If you want to look inside, the hall is open from 10 AM to 4 PM every day except Saturday. Take a moment to admire these ancient timbers before we take a short stroll to explore some of York's medieval parish churches.
_Governor%E2%80%99s_Parlour_Merchant_Adventurers_Hall.jpg){kind=link}