Tudor Merchant's Hall, Southampton

The Tudor Merchant's Hall, now known as Westgate Hall, is a hidden gem nestled within Southampton's medieval old town walls. Originally built before 1428 in Saint Michael’s Square, the hall served as a bustling hub for trade, with its upper floors functioning as a cloth hall and its open arcaded ground floor as the town's fish market. By the 17th century, the building had fallen into disrepair and was sold, in 1634, to Alderman Edward Exton, who dismantled it and relocated it to its current position near the West Gate. The ground floor arcade was subsequently walled up, converting the space into a warehouse.

In the 1970s, Westgate Hall underwent significant restoration, transforming it into a picturesque venue with vaulted ceilings and exposed timber beams that added to its charm. Now a listed building, it serves as a versatile event space for weddings, receptions, concerts, and public gatherings. The hall offers a first-floor ceremony room with seating for over 70 guests, which makes it a popular choice for special occasions.

With a storied past that includes rumored use as a guardroom or garrison, Westgate Hall holds a significant place in Southampton’s history. Its location near the waterfront and cruise terminals provides convenient access to local hotels and restaurants, making it an attractive venue for celebrations. After its restoration, the hall was renamed Westgate Hall in 2010, thus continuing its legacy as a beautiful and historic site for public use.