Built between 1357 and 1361 it is one of the finest guildhalls still in existence. Its original use was as a hospital dedicated to the Blessed Virgin but became the meeting place of the Guild of Mercers and of the Merchant Adventurers in 1430. As a result, the trade of York was carried out and managed from within this building. The building itself was constructed mainly from oak which was taken from the Forest of Galtres, a huge expanse to the north of the city and which is given a mention in Shakespeare’s Henry IV part II.