Mercers' Hall London

The Chapel at Mercers Hall

The Mercers’ Company ranks first in the order of precedence of all London’s livery company. Although, its existence can be traced back to the mid-1100s, the company was formally incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1394, with the stated aim to act as a trade association for general merchants and especially for exporters of wool and importers of velvet, silk and luxurious fabrics.

Amongst the long list of its former liverymen can be found the names of William Caxton (printer), Inigo Jones (architect), John Dee (astrologer), Sir Thomas More (Lord Chancellor), John Colet (Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral), Richard Whittington (Lord Mayor and cat-owner), Sir Thomas Gresham and, in more recent years, Sir Winston Churchill, and Field Marshall Montgomery.

The Hall was destroyed in Great Fire of London 1666, rebuilt 1676, extensively refurbished c1880, again destroyed by fire during the Blitz in the 1941 and reopened in May 1978.

In 2012, Luke Hughes was commissioned to re-order the chapel and provide furnishings that were more suitable for both modern worship and ceremonial.

Other work at the Hall includes the redecoration of the Ambulatory and Court Rooms, and the mounting and display of some exceptional medieval and Renaissance statues.

The Mercers’ Company has also administered St Paul’s School since 1509 and, more recently, St Paul’s Girl School – both clients of Luke Hughes Designs Ltd.

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