Time to look forward to the new year, in this part of the world that means warmer days ahead! The Merchant Adventurer's Hall, surrounding lawn, and nearby pink washed buildings make for a colourful mixture any time of year but especially in spring and summer.
This window is part of the Merchant Adventurers' Hall which was built built in the 14th century. I just love the jumble of patterns and textures with the mix of brick and stonework.
This oak evidence chest dates from the early 1300s and was used to store the title deeds to the many properties owned by the The Company of Merchant Adventurers' of York. Founded originally as a religious fraternity they developed into a trading association or 'guild'. I imagine it crammed full of rolled parchment scrolls covered in wax seals.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday
Today is the first day of the 2012 cycle of Mystery Plays in the city. Each guild used to perform a particular play and in the 1909 Mystery Pageant the guilds paraded their Guild Banner through the streets of York. These same banners are now on display in the Merchant Adventurers Hall. This is the banner of the Weavers Guild. It shows three leopards' heads facing forwards, each with a shuttle in its mouth. The shuttle was used to run the weft yarn through the open warp yarns when weaving. The Weavers Mystery was the Appearance of Mary to Thomas.
This lantern can be found outside the entrance to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. Atop the lantern sits golden winged horse (Pegasus) flying across blue and white waves. This symbolises travel over water and emphases the role of the Adventurers' in overseas trade. Some of the intricately carved woodwork of the 650 year old Hall can be seen on the gable above.
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