The Hall

The first Skinners met in local taverns or churches to discuss problems but as they became wealthier they began to pay for more permanent rooms. By the end of the 13th century they were using the building that became Skinners’ Hall, then known as the Copped Hall. The frontage of this original property faced Dowgate Hill and was divided into five shops with rooms above. Behind the shops was the main hall, reached via a courtyard that gave ample space for the preparation of processions and pageants.

The ceremonial entrance leads to a cloister style courtyard from which guests can enter the Grade 1 listed hall and enjoy the splendour of this historic venue. Featuring a banqueting hall, court rooms, roof garden and gallery, the hall is visited by historians, artists and architects as well as being available to the general public to hire for private or corporate events.

A scheduled ancient monument, Skinners’ Hall is steeped in history and antiquities redolent of the privileged life style afforded by successful commerce throughout the centuries. The enormous banqueting hall has a minstrels’ gallery and is panelled with paintings by Sir Frank Brangwyn. The outer hall is open to the ceiling of the gallery above it creating a wonderful setting for the glass chandelier made for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, and the large bell in the hall, cast in 1190, is one of the oldest in the country.

The court room of 1670 is panelled in pencil cedar from Virginia, well known for perfuming the room and on hot days you can still smell the wood.

 

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