[Picture: Drapers’ Hall, Interior View]
a half-timbered building, erected probably about the time of Elizabeth.
The interior is sufficiently described by the accompanying engraving,
presented by the liberality of the Drapers’ Company. The apartment is 28
feet by 20, but was originally of larger dimensions. It is wainscotted
with fine old oak, and the floor was once rich in emblazoned tiles. At
the north end is the upper place, or “dais,” where the members “feasted
full and high;” and on the opposite side stands a fine old chest, with
richly carved ornaments; above which is a painting said to represent the
first steward of the company, Degory Watur, and his wife; this originally
stood on the front of the hall house occupied by Degory in the
almshouses.
The east side is decorated with a portrait of Edward the Fourth, denoting
round the circumference his titles and decease in 1483. Beneath are the
following lines:—
This Yeare fourth Edward York’s farre fam’d renowne
Circled his temples with great Albion’s crowne;
When over reading the memoriale
Of Salop’s Draper’s Ancient Hospitale,
Founded in honour of the sacred Deity,
He own’d and stiled them then, the blest Society;
And with his Parliament’s sage approbation
Deigned them his Charter for a Corporation,
Which to confirme Himself was pleas’d to be
The Royal Founder of their Companie,
Granting immunities of large extent,
Which stand his bounties gratefull monument.
Edwardo 4º regi Anglorum
Gloriosissimo monumentum
Hoc posuit Pannariorum
Salopiensium grata Societas.
Returning from this hall, which is the only one appropriated to its
original purpose, to the left is DOGPOLE (from Doke or Duck, to decline,
and Poll, the head or summit); the street having an abrupt descent
towards the river, to which there was formerly a communication.
To the right is St. Mary’s Street and the Almshouses. This street was
very narrow until the year 1824, when several old buildings were taken
down. Pursuing our course along CHURCH STREET, we pass the site and
remnant of a half-timbered house, distinguished by gables, which formed a
portion of