Lavenham Wool Hall, Medieval wool trading hall in Lavenham, England
Description
Lavenham Wool Hall is a timber-framed medieval building in a small English village featuring exposed wooden beams and large windows typical of Suffolk construction. The structure now forms part of The Swan Hotel complex, allowing guests to stay within this historic listed building while exploring the medieval streets around it.
History
Built around 1500, it first served as a guildhall for the Guild of the Blessed Virgin before becoming a center for wool trading. The building later underwent various changes in purpose and function as centuries passed.
Culture
The building shows how wealthy wool merchants became in medieval Suffolk and how important the textile trade was to the region's economy. Its grand design reflects the prosperity that the wool business brought to this small English village.
Practical
The building is easy to find since it sits in the center of Lavenham's medieval village and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. Visitors should allow time to explore both the structure and the surrounding streets, which are full of historical details.
Did you know?
Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, oversaw its restoration in 1911 before it became a convalescent home for railway women. This royal connection shaped the building's history and its role in the early 20th century.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lavenham).
Lavenham Priory
27 m
87, Church Street
108 m
7 and 8, Church Street
87 m
90, Church Street
97 m
91, Church Street
89 m
1-3, Church Street
53 m
5 and 6, Church Street
83 m
86, Church Street
116 m
88 and 89, Church Street
106 m
The Greyhound Inn
111 m
Swan Hotel (that part formerly listed as No 102)
65 m
98-100, High Street
89 m
Swan Hotel (that part formerly listed as Swan Inn)
52 m
12 and 14, Water Street
69 m
97, High Street
99 m
4 and 5, High Street
115 m
Tudor Shops
20 m
Number 9 Including Outbuilding Adjoining On The North
102 m
Swan Hotel (part)
25 m
56 and 57, Water Street
115 m
Swan Hotel (that part formerly No 1), Water Street
34 m
7-9, Water Street
38 m
67 and 68, Water Street
28 m
The Willows
83 m
58, Water Street
103 m
Swan Hotel (that part formerly listed as No 101), High Street
80 m
The Grove
72 m
3 and 4, Lady Street
100 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes