John Halle's Hall (now Forming Entrance To The Odeon Cinema)

John Halle was a wealthy and influential Salisbury wool merchant. He was possibly the son of Thomas Halle, who was a member of the Salisbury Corporation from 1436 to 1440. John Halle is recorded as being a member of the Salisbury Common Council in 1446. In 1448 he became an Alderman, and in 1449 Constable of New Street Ward. He was repeatedly elected Mayor of Salisbury, first in 1451, then in 1458, 1460, 1461 and 1465. He died on 18 October 1479. John Halle's Hall stands in the centre of Salisbury on the south side of the road known as New Canal, a little distance south of the central market place. In 1455 he already owned property on the Ditch (New Canal) and in Carternstrete (Catherine…

The 15th-century Hall is in "fairly original state". It has been suggested that, although 15th-century in date and bearing Halle's merchant's mark, this fireplace might not be in its original location, as the Hall would have had an open hearth. It is suggested that it may not be in situ and may have come from one of the chambers in the building. In the 19th century this fireplace was used as a model by Augustus Pugin for some of his architectural designs. The archway at the north end of the Hall and the central doorway at the southern end are from 1834; and the two flanking doorways at the south end of the Hall are modern (from the 1930–1931 cinema alterations). On the exterior, the hall is…