In 1522 a property in Basinghall Street was bequeathed to the Coopers' Company and successive halls were built on the site until 1940 when their third hall, built in 1868, was destroyed by enemy action. Eighteen years later the Company purchased its present hall in Devonshire Square. As well as being one of the oldest, it is also one of the smallest halls and we have booked it for the evening.

Devonshire Square dates from 1678 and Nos. 12 and 13 are the only original buildings remaining. No. 13 was refaced in 1720 but behind the 1720 façade, it remains a timber-framed building. Restoration work has revealed re-used ship's timbers.

The Curator of the building has agreed to start the evening at 6.30 p.m. with a talk about the hall. Afterwards, Chester Boyd will serve a 3-course meal with wine, and Peter Gillman, an enthusiastic amateur and collector of 16th and 17th century musical instruments, shall entertain us. He will demonstrate their use and members and guests will be able to handle 
and examine the instruments.