Social and Cultural History

The Company has a rich collection of apprenticeship records dating back to the 14th century, giving researchers a fascinating insight into occupations, families and the movement of people and trade around the city. These include bonds, indentures and admission lists. 

Explore the apprenticeship records through our online catalogue.

Alongside their annual cycle of Courts, held on medieval quarter days, the Company held a number of feasts each year. The surviving records showcase the network of prominent York families and businesses amongst the members of the Company. Since the second half of the 14th century, the Merchants were heavily involved in civic life and hold a number of former Lord Mayors of York among their past members. In 1951 the Company revived the medieval Venison Feast as an addition to their formal Michaelmas Feast.

The archive holds a vast series of title deeds, running from the late 12th century through to the mid-20th century and beyond. As well as records of property, these deeds draw a picture of what York once looked like - illustrating the location and size of properties long-since demolished or changed. 

They also show the relationships between families in the city, and illustrate the early use of peppercorn rents - in the form of payments of single roses or even an annual pair of white gloves!

In the medieval period, the Company was part of York's cycle of 48 Corpus Christi plays, with responsibility for the Last Judgement pageant. Traditionally performed on decorative moveable platforms, the plays were performed at different sites around the city. The archive contains fantastic records on the preparations and payment for these plays, listing props, performers, and craftspeople involved. The Company of Merchant Adventurers continues to perform the Last Judgement in the revived cycle of York Mystery Plays. 

Find out more through our online catalogue and through the Merchant Adventurers' website.