A modern Vibrant Company
with a rich history that dates back to the 13th Century
Beyond its historical significance, the company of Merchant Taylors remains a vibrant force in York today. We are dedicated to:
Conserving one of the world’s finest Medieval Guild Halls in the centre of York. The extraordinary Merchant Taylors’ Hall.
Supporting young people through grants in arts, craftsmanship, and music.
Offering an extraordinary venue for weddings, dinners, conferences, and meetings.
Preserving our historical traditions and ensuring that we reflect modern life.
Governance
The Full Court of all Members is the Company’s governing body.
It appoints members to the Court of Assistants, which acts as the Company's executive committee; its members are effectively the company's trustees. The Court of Assistants is answerable to the Full Court and charged with the company's routine management and the charity's long-term planning and strategy.
The Court of Assistants is supported by several Committees, which are responsible for the various areas of Company business and act in an advisory capacity only.
Membership
The Merchant Taylor’s is an ancient Guild, a membership organisation that has contributed to national life for over 600 years.
Our membership reflects a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds. While some members maintain ties to the tailoring industry, others represent various professions, including business, medicine, healthcare, law, academia, public service, and the military. Many also bring valuable experience as trustees for local and national charities.
Members include lifelong residents of York, those who moved here for work, and others drawn to the city as a vibrant place to retire. Whilst the Company’s origins have links to Christianity, it has welcomed people of all faiths for many years and none as members/visitors, and we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes and values all who come into our Hall. Membership is very worthwhile: Members see it as both a privilege and a pleasure; they enjoy working together to make the Company a success, fulfil its purpose, and maintain and enjoy its traditions.
The Merchant Taylors’ Hall remains central to our activities, serving as a space for business, connection, and community. We are committed to investing in the Hall and our Company while continuing to contribute to the life of York. Honouring our heritage while looking to the future, we aim to support the city, its residents, and visitors in fostering a welcoming, inspiring, and neighbourly environment.
We welcome applications to join the membership from people who have an active interest in the work of the Company and its Charity and who can give their time, skills, and expertise to support the company's future evolution, building on the legacy of generations of Merchant Taylors. Click this link to learn more.
Tour our medieval Hall, hear our stories, and plan your visit with the free, accessible Bloomberg Connects digital guide.
Step into over 600 years of history with the Merchant Taylors’ Company of York and our magnificent medieval Hall. Our free digital guide, available through Bloomberg Connects, is the perfect way to explore our story—whether you’re visiting in person or discovering us from home.
Through our guide, you’ll uncover exclusive insights and multimedia content created with the help of our Members, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at both the Company and the Hall.
What you’ll find in our digital guide:
- A stunning fly-through video of the Hall, featuring a warm welcome from the Master of the Company.
- The fascinating story of the Hall’s origins and details on how to plan your visit.
- An introduction to York’s historic guilds and livery companies—and how tailors helped shape the city’s history.
- Interactive trails and tours guiding you through the Great Hall, the Blue Hall, our beautiful garden, and out into York itself, where the history of the Taylors comes alive.
- Insights into the Company’s work today, how to hire the Hall for special events, ways to stay connected, and how to support our charitable efforts and the preservation of the Hall.
Accessibility and Languages
Our digital guide is designed to be welcoming and inclusive. With multilingual options via Google Translate, screen reader support, zoom, adjustable font sizes, transcripts, subtitles, alt-text, and even ASL content, it’s easy for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Before You Visit
When you arrive, simply scan the signage around the Hall to launch the Bloomberg Connects guide instantly on your phone—no downloads needed.
Can’t wait? You can explore our history and work in advance by downloading the free Bloomberg Connects app, which also connects you to hundreds of museums, galleries, gardens, and cultural spaces worldwide.
Start exploring now →