St Mary'S Hall

St Mary's Hall is a historic building primarily dating from around 1340 to 1342, with later enlargement around 1460. It may partially rest on the foundations of, and incorporate stones from, the 12th-century castle of the Earls of Chester. The structure is built of sandstone and features round courtyards. It includes a hall with an undercroft, a two-storey gatehouse, and a kitchen. The three-storey Caesar's Tower was rebuilt after being damaged during the Second World War. There are timber-framed ranges on the east and south sides of the courtyard, dating from the late 15th century and around 1400, with stone ground floors. The Muniment Room was added in 1894. The hall itself, dating from around 1400, measures 23 meters by 9 meters and features a tie-beam roof with paneling on curved braces, adorned with carved angels and heraldic bosses. It has five bays and three large traceried windows on either side, showcasing fine late 15th-century glass. The building underwent significant restoration in 1824, designed by architect Stedman Whitwell. The Merchant Guild of St Mary was founded in 1340 and later joined with three other guilds to form the Holy Trinity Guild in 1392. St Mary's Hall, along with Nos 22 and 23, forms a group.