Restoration of the Hall

The Hall's original fabric was retained where possible, and the restoration ensured that any modern additions were in keeping with the original structure of the building, but were clearly distinguishable from the original features.

Details revealed and restored

During restoration, many of the roof timbers were replaced with modern oak and softwood so that they could be recognised as replacements.

The Hall now has a floor of York stone, but it was originally covered with green glazed tiles, two of which were found during excavations. Medieval timber-framing is still visible in one wall.

Research was needed by the restoration team to decide where doors and windows should be reinstated. The original tracery from the medieval period survives in one window on the north-east front of Bedern Hall, with other obviously more modern windows placed during the restoration.

A new home for the Guilds

Following its restoration, a suitable use needed to be found for the Hall, and after centuries of neglect it was important to protect this historic building for the future. In 1980, a steering group was formed by members of some of York's surviving guilds, to discuss the possibility of using the building as a new guild hall.

The Company of Cordwainers, the Gild of Freemen and the York Guild of Building formed the Bedern Hall Company. The company raised the funds to add further facilities to complement the Hall, and a modern annexe was added to ensure that the building was equipped for the needs of future generations.

Among the most striking of the modern addtions are the stained glass panels in the windows, commemorating Guild members.

Since restoration, the Hall has been used by a variety of organisations as a venue for dinners, meetings and conferences. In 2005, it was licensed for civil wedding celebrations.

Bedern Hall today

The building as it now stands represents a fine example of a rectangular medieval hall. In 1983 its historical significance was recognised when it became a Grade II* listed building.

The Bedern Hall Company exists to ensure that the Hall is preserved for the benefit of generations to come.