Governance
The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York is governed by its members, who uphold centuries of tradition while overseeing their Hall’s upkeep, supporting community engagement, and advancing its charitable work.
The Court of Assistants
The Governance of The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York is directed by a Court of Assistants, similar to a board of trustees. In accordance with the Royal Charter of 1581 the Court has nineteen members.
The Governor is the Chair and they are supported by eighteen assistants who are all elected annually at our Charter Day - the equivalent of an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Officers
The Governor and four Officers meet regularly to deal with day-to-day management of the Company in conjunction with The Clerk and to advise the Court of Assistants.
Committees
The Company has seven Committees, providing specialist knowledge in key areas of management and business. All report regularly to the Court of Assistants.
Committees are made up of a combination of Officers and Members.
The Governor
Professor Sarah Brown
Governor 2026-27
Sarah Brown is a professor in the University of York’s History of Art Department, where she is director of its renowned MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management.
After a long career in the heritage sector, she settled in York in 2008 and until her retirement in 2025 was also the director of the York Glaziers Trust, where she led the team responsible for the care of York Minster's internationally acclaimed collection of historic stained glass.
In 2023 she was awarded the Royal Warrant Holders Association’s Anna Plowden Medal for her exceptional contribution to stained glass conservation.
View Biography
Jenni Bartram
Junior Warden 2026-27
View biography
The Hall Team
The Hall team is led by The Clerk who is the equivalent of a Chief Executive and is assisted by The Executive: The Beadle (Hall and Properties Manager), Membership & Finance Manager, Museum Director, Education & Charity Executive and Visitor Experience & Coffee House Manager.
There are 20 members of staff in total who manage and run all facets of the Company and Hall's operation.
About the Company
Who are the York Merchant Adventurers Company? Discover more about this historic and vibrant organisation.