It's hot. There is a possibility the Hall might melt (it won't because it's made of non melty material but you get the gist). In a bid to keep everyone cool we are posting this 17th century view of a Dutch town by Jan Griffier the Elder. Just look at all the snow and ice...aaaah.

It's the 18th century and we are going to take a gallop around York via another amazing print from our collection. Too hot to walk? Well saddle up your virtual horses! Too posh to trot? Get your men to prepare the sedan. We are away!

In 1440 Johanes Gutenberg invented the printing press. What’s the bet the first colour it ran out of was cyan?

Some stained glass sumptuousness for your Tuesday afternoon. This is one of two panels created in the early 20th century depicting an artistic view of maritime trade. This view is of a European port - we think Copenhagen although we are not certain.

Brian may have enjoyed the Merchant Adventurers Charity beer festival just a bit too much…

Continuing our limited series on things that are wonky in the Hall: May we present our entrance stairs. Deliciously on the wonk.

It's a busy few days at the Hall as we are starting to prep for our Beer Festival which is on Friday and Saturday. As we will be up to our ears in beer (not literally) we might be a bit quiet. Therefore here is a lovely summer photo of the Hall to keep you going. 😘

The Great Hall in all its wonky glory. To be fair, after 668 (nearly 669) years we'd be fairly wonky too. Although the floor is not original and is a mere pup at 90 years old - the joists are as original as they come and date to the 14th century. Hence the wonk.

Tooot tooot!!! We’re back! What have we missed? We know it’s been a ‘bit’ warm. 😉

Good afternoon everyone. 👋 It's holiday time at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall so social media will go quiet for a week or so. We will return with more medieval guild hall high jinx from 29th June. Be good whilst we are away - no wild parties!

Sad news but what an amazing life. The Major Oak was a similar age to the oak trees used to build the Hall.

Behold a 17th century chair. Fairly ordinary apart from the carved crossed human bones on the seat. Pirates! You’re thinking. Sadly not - this is a memento mori. Whilst you’re perched on the chair you are asked to think of your latter end.

Afternoon those of the bluesky. We thought we'd try something different today. This is our silver display - as you can see it has shiny silver in it. Zoom in, pick a piece, reply with said choice and we'll tell you about it. 👍

✨ At York Merchant Adventurers' C14th timbered hall, the joy of craft has been caught in Medusa’s gaze – surging, soaring, uplifting. This place is not merely a building, but a glade within a forest – the medieval artisan’s woody memoranda embedded within the street. A must see.

We have an apology to make. It's been 9 days since we have shared a picture of the Great Hall's roof. To make up for this heinous crime, here's one showing the roof in the early 1920s. We even stuck in the Great Hall's partition as a sweetener.

It’s Friday night which means it’s the weekend! May it be as glorious as the roses in the Hall’s garden. 🩷

We like big sticks an' we can not lie You otha brothas can´t deny. That when a mace walks in (front of a ceremonial parade) wit´ a itty bitty waist an´ A round thing in yo´ face. You... GOT IN THE WAY.

Lucy just couldn’t understand why no one wanted her canapés at the party.

We have a new window. It's BEAUTIFUL. Or should that be it's AGLAZING. Created by York Glaziers Trust it was made to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It also showcases Britain's flora and fauna...are you ready to see some close ups?

Yesterday was buff Satan. Today is Satan but make it the Gruffalo.

When we saw this mosaic…

We have been working on getting several of our prints restored and remounted. On the back of a fairly normal view of York we found this. Everyone, meet buff Satan.

It’s Friday evening here in the UK so that means it’s the weekend! May it be as awesome as the Great Hall’s roof.

A little bit of our environment on this #worldenvironmentday 💚

This is not going to fit in the “how did the accident occur” box.

We've had many illustrious guests over the years; royalty, politicians, authors and so forth. However, in 1987 we met a cultural icon. Someone whose kindness, humour and ability to deliver parcels knows no bounds.. Postman Pat visited the Hall!

Our duty is to brighten up your dull Wednesday with a bright medieval wow. Luckily we have just the thing… Created by artist Susanne Davies in 2014 this colourful embroidery thread installation on the Chapel’s original 15th century window was inspired by cloths once traded from the Hall. 🌈

Awww 21st again… 😏

For no other reason than it's a Tuesday afternoon - here is a rather lovely early 20th Century stained glass panel from our Chapel. ☺️

What do you mean the heatwave is over? Ive just filled up the paddling pool! I got out my horse floaty and everything?!

Hello new followers! 👋 We are the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall - a medieval guild hall (built in 1357) in York, UK. We are a museum, venue for hire, home to the York Merchant Adventurers Company and custodians of the finest oak framed roof in the world!

It's Friday! May your weekend be as glorious as the wigs are on the Thompson boys...

Well that’s a very impressive pipe you have there. 😳

Once again the news is full of...well bad news. So let's have a little time to smell the roses (which are gorgeous by the way) and enjoy the good things. 🩷

We all have days where we feel like this cup. Embrace it. Embrace the grump. 📍Pompeii, House of Julius Polybius 🕰️ 1st century AD 📷 mine #AncientBlueSky

When it's hot outside and you burn easily so you're staying inside in the dark with your skull.

Everyone’s bedroom in the UK right now…

Hot weather ✅ Clothes to dry ✅ A medieval gateway called Walmgate Bar built in the 12th century on which to dry your pants? ✅ Up until 1956, local residents lived in the watchman's quarters. When this watercolour was painted around 1820, a family called Brown lived in the Bar.

Calling all stained glass lovers! Dr Marie Groll, Director of the York Glaziers Trust will be talking at the Hall on 2nd June. It’s a free event (plus tea and biscuits). More details here: merchantshallyork.org/events/merchant-adventurers-business-afternoon-tuesday-2nd-june-2026/

For those not in the UK... It is HOT. 🔥 However the Undercroft due to its very thick stone and brick walls is COOL. 😎 Big round of applause to John Colwyck and his team in 1357 for building a Hall perfect for a hot Monday in 2026. 👏

It’s a Bank Holiday! May your Monday be as fragrant as the roses are in the Hall’s garden. 🩷

It’s a long weekend (in the UK)! Like everyone else the Hall is going out out. 🥳

Strutting into the sunny bank holiday weekend like… 😎

What does the Great Hall look like on an evening? Oh you know. Quite nice. 🤩

It's #internationalteaday? Hold our sugar nips we have just the things...

Having a difficult Thursday? We think this train driver was having a worse one. 😬

Who’s going to explain to the medieval dragon about consent?

Just some real time Tudor gorgeousness. 💙

Is it a party if you're not using your best 17th century furniture and pewter plates?

May this cute skull bring you joy on this Tuesday.