The Drapers’ Hall
This curious and spacious apartment retains many features of the good old fashioned days. Elevated on a dais, “richlie dyghte withe blazon’d tyle,” stands the massive oaken table at which the Company hold their meetings, and below at right angles, is another table, which in former times was wont to groan beneath the solid cheer, with which the worthy drapers feasted their tenants and dependents. A rudely carved muniment chest occupies the lower end, and portraits of the excellent Degory Watur and his spouse, and of King Edward IV. “The Royal Founder of their Companie,” decorate the dark and gloomy wainscot.
The Drapers were incorporated by Charters of Edward IV. and James I. and their Company is recognized by several subsequent Acts of Parliament. Seven years’ apprenticeship to a member of the company is the necessary qualification for admission, though foreigners may be admitted on payment of a fine, at the discretion of the company. Their income, which chiefly arises from lands originally purchased by the voluntary contributions of the members, is considerable, and is expended in the support of the inmates of St. Mary’s Almshouse, in liberal subscriptions to the charitable institutions of the town, and in relief to the widows and families of deceased members.
The traffic in Welsh woollen-cloths, the staple trade of the place during three centuries, is now very inconsiderable, the market formerly held here every Thursday having been long since removed to Welshpool and Newtown in Montgomeryshire.
The next object which demands our attention is