The History of Tuckers Hall

Tuckers Hall was built and has been owned by the Guild of Weavers, Tuckers and Shearmen since 1471, but the earliest record of a Guild of Clothworkers in Exeter is 1459, when a dispute with the Cordwainers as to antiquity and precedence is recorded. The Guild regulated the woollen cloth trade in Exeter, which made the city (and Devon) wealthy and a centre for international trade.  The woollen cloth trade thrived from the 1430s until the end of the 18th century; at times making Exeter the third richest city in the country.

The first rules of the Guild were approved by the Mayor in 1483 and provided for a Court of Assistants, comprising a maximum of 27 members. Three of these Assistants were elected to hold the offices of Master, Head Warden and Under Warden each year. In 1620 the Guild obtained a Royal Charter and became the Incorporation of  Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen.                                      

Meetings of the Court of Assistants, which are known as "Halls", take place twice a year in May and November. The Clerk co-ordinates the meetings, keeps the minutes and is responsible for all correspondence. The Incorporation appoints a Hall Manager and a Beadle who together are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Hall and all functions which take place there.

After a number of years' absence the Livery has been reinstated to broaden the base of and bring strength to the membership. Those eligible to apply for membership include businessmen and women in trade who are owners of their own business in the city of Exeter and the surrounding area or who contribute to the local community.

The members of the Incorporation continue to maintain and keep alive the long established traditions of the craft guilds, which include the May and November Halls, processing immediately behind the Lord Mayor in civic processions, payments to ancient charities and not least the maintenance and upkeep of the Hall its fabric and the artefacts.