Tallow Chandlers' Hall is set deep in historic London. It sits on the buried walls of the Roman Governor's Palace, and is but a stone's throw from the London Stone, ancient heart of London. The Tallow Chandlers originally moved into a Dowgate Hill property in July 1476. They bought what was probably a merchant's house from Dame Margaret Alley for £166 13s 4d. However, it was burnt down during the Great Fire of London in September 1666. Two large beams of the predecessor medieval hall that survived the Great Fire remain in the cellars under the present Beadle's office. Today's Hall dates from 1672. Designed (it is believed) by the Company's Surveyor, Captain John Caines under the guidance of the Surveyor and polymath Robert Hooke. Construction and decoration work continued until about 1677. Much refurbishment work has been carried out since then. Over the years, the original musicians' gallery has been sadly lost. Bomb damage in World War II also necessitated repair and rebuilding of parts of the Main Hall. However, the basic size, shape and layout of the Hall has changed little since 1672. It is now one of the most well preserved - and certainly among the most popular - of the London livery halls.