Mercers Hall, Gloucester
Mercers Hall is a former warehouse in Gloucester, England. It is located on the corner of Cross Keys Lane and Mercers' Alley, also known as Pinchbelly Alley,[1] in the centre of the city. It is currently used as a Masonic Hall and is grade II listed with Historic England.
History[edit]
The building was constructed in the second half of the eighteenth century. By 1810 it was occupied by a cider merchant and brewer who used the upper floor as a grain store. It incorporates a sixteenth century roof and other timber-framed elements thought to have been taken from a market hall in Gloucester owned by St Peter's Abbey, and from a barn.[2][3] It was known as Mercer's Hall by 1878[2] and in 1898 was purchased by Washbourn Brothers who used it as a bonded warehouse for alcohol. In 1926 it was converted into a function room and dance hall by Charles Urch.[4] During the Second World War it was used as a canteen for American forces, run by Gloucester Rotary Club.[2] The hall was purchased by Gloucester Freemasons in 1955 who use it as a masonic temple for several local lodges.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ Jordan, Christine. (2015). Secret Gloucester. Stroud: Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4456-4689-3.
- ^ a b c "Gloucester Masonic Hall", plaque, City of Gloucester.
- ^ Historic England. "Mercers Hall (1271657)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
- ^ a b Gloucester Masonic Hall. Innsworth Lodge No 8751. Retrieved 19 August 2017.