The Merchant Adventurers' Hall, York

To become Merchant Adventurers boys worked as apprentices. They signed a contract called an indenture with their master, and they worked with him for several years. During this time the boys learnt how to trade. When their contract finished they were hopefully ready to set up their own business.

The Company controlled the training of apprentices and some members helped young men to set up business. For example Stephen Watson donated £60 in 1659 which was to be lent to young men for 3 years to help them set up, after 3 years they returned the money and it was lent to another young man.