[2] The building was constructed in 1830 to house the city's wool market,[1] as Bristol Bridge had become too congested by sheep farmers travelling across it.

[3] It was designed by Richard Shackleton Pope and has been described as "the first quasi-industrial building in Bristol to attempt a real architectural facade".

The building was not a success since it was too far from the farmer's markets at Temple Meads, and the wool trade moved to the Corn Exchange in 1834.

[5][7] The Fleece became a venue for live music, hosting gigs by Oasis, Pulp, Emeli Sande, Radiohead and Amy Winehouse.

[7] The Wool Hall was awarded grade II listed building status by English Heritage in 1975.