Members

The Company of Merchant Taylors of York has been integral to the city’s civic, economic, and social fabric for over 650 years. Founded as a medieval guild and fraternity, its roots stretch back to at least 1273 when York thrived as a hub of trade, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange. Today, the Company continues to honour and evolve its legacy, weaving the threads of history into the vibrant life of modern York.

At the heart of the Company’s identity lies its remarkable home: the Grade I-listed Merchant Taylors’ Hall. Built-in 1415, this half-timbered guild hall is a rare treasure, one of only four provincial guild halls in England still used by their original custodians. For centuries, its sturdy beams and hallowed halls have witnessed the ebb and flow of York’s fortunes, providing a steadfast link between past and present.

Past and Present: Six Centuries of Tradition and Community

The Company is more than a guardian of its historic Hall. With a membership of just over 100, drawn from diverse professions and walks of life, it actively contributes to York’s civic, charitable, and ceremonial landscape.

Its mission is rooted in preserving tradition while embracing the needs of a changing world this dual commitment is reflected in its charitable work, which focuses on maintaining the Hall, opening it to the community, and supporting young people to explore their potential in the arts, music, and craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, the Company’s vision is clear. It seeks to make the Hall more accessible and meaningful to a broader and more diverse audience, ensuring it remains a place of inspiration, engagement, and sustainability. The Hall will not only endure as a historical treasure but also thrive as a dynamic space, responsive to the challenges of the climate crisis and York’s evolving identity.

Central to this vision is a commitment to inclusivity. Though rooted in traditions shaped by a medieval Christian ethos, the Company reflects the rich tapestry of modern society, welcoming people of all faiths and none. Members come from varied backgrounds—professionals, academics, military personnel, and local craftspeople—each bringing their unique perspectives and talents to the Company’s shared mission.

Throughout its long history, the Hall has been more than a building; it is a place where the Company’s members gather, connect, and contribute to the city they serve. The Merchant Taylors of York honour the past not as a relic but as a guide, investing in the Hall, the Company, and the city’s future.

As York continues to grow as a delightful, neighbourly place to live and visit, the Company remains dedicated to making a positive difference. By blending tradition with innovation, it seeks to ensure that its work and the Hall itself will remain a cherished part of York’s story for generations to come.