Interesting Houses & Buildings

York is a historic city in North Yorkshire. It is dominated by its Minster, which is Northern Europe's largest cathedral. The narrow streets of the Shambles still feature original Tudor buildings and are now occupied by small shops and cosy pubs. York has a racecourse, a castle and many other attractions worth visiting.

York Guildhall

York, North Yorkshire YO1 9QN

Phone: +44 (0)1904 613161 

The guildhall is at the hub of the City of York's civic affairs and enjoys a pivotal role in the city's history. The present guildhall was built in 1455 on the site of a predecessor building and has overseen events such as a feast for Richard III shortly after his accession to the throne, the court of enquiry into Mary Queen of Scots, and the trial of Margaret Clitherow. The guildhall was partly reconstructed after sustaining a direct hit in the Baedeker bombings of 1942.

Fairfax House

Castlegate, York YO1 9RN

Phone: +44 (0)1904 655543

One of England's finest 18th Century buildings, Fairfax House had fallen into an extreme state of disrepair before York Civic Trust renovated it during the early eighties. Whilst doing so, a number of fine features crafted by leading artisans were uncovered and are now on show. The house is best known however as the home of the Noel Terry (a member of the famous chocolate family - Terry's of York) Georgian furniture collection which is believed to be valued in excess of £24m.

Mansion House

St Helen's Square, York YO1 9QL

Phone: +44 (0)1904 551049 

Restored by York Civic Trust in 1998, the Mansion House is now worthy of its accolade as the premier building of the City of York. Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York during his (or hers) period in office. Indeed York was able to boast its own Mayor's official residence before London. The building was only built in 1730 after the Mayor, Sir William Robinson refused to leave the "Red House" in Duncombe Place.

The Red House

Duncombe Place, York YO1 2EF

Phone: +44 (0)1904 637000 

The Red House is an impressive 18th Century building close to York Minster which now operates as an antique centre. However the building, formerly a town house, was built for Sir William Robinson who was both MP and Lord Mayor of York. It is thought its designer may have been the famous York artist William Etty. The Red House was the cause of some controversy in the early 18th century when Sir William Robinson refused to leave resulting in the need to build a new Lord Mayor's residence at Mansion House.

Treasurer's House

Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL

Phone: +44 (0)1904 624247

As its name suggests, the Treasurer's House was once home to the Treasurer of York Minster and the building lies within the Minster's shadow. Its foundations were built on Roman ruins which added substance to the famous ghost story from 1953 when a plumber witnessed the ghosts of Roman soldiers from their knees upwards. The soldiers were reputedly from the 9th Legion which allegedly disappeared close to York. The building is owned by the National Trust and possesses beautiful gardens in which visitors are free to sit and enjoy.

Merchant Taylors' Hall

Aldwark, York YO1 7BX

Phone: +44 (0)1904 632967 

Just underneath the city wall, the Merchant Taylors' Hall appears from the outside to be a 17th Century building. However, underneath this more recent exterior, lies a fine 14th Century building which boasts an impressive mediaeval roof which covers the whole of the hall. The hall is one of only two buildings still remaining which belonged to the mediaeval guilds who controlled trade in the city (the other is the Merchant Adventurer's Hall) during the middle ages. At one time (1415) it was recorded that there were 57 guilds in the city of York.

King's Manor

Exhibition Square, York YO1 7HB

Phone: +44 (0)1904 430000

King's Manor is a beautiful building which dates back to the 13th Century and housed the Council of the North following the dissolution of the monasteries. Indeed it was Henry VIII who built its wine cellars. The building's entrance displays the coat of arms of Charles I and James I which marks the stay of the latter on his journey south to be crowned king of England during 1603. The buildings are now leased to the University of York's mediaeval and archaeology departments but remain open to the public.

Jacob's Well

Trinity Lane, Micklegate, York

Phone: +44 (0)1904 798478 

One of the most unusual houses in York, Jacob's Well is a truly unique mediaeval building which is now a part of the Priory Church of Holy Trinity. Jacob's Well was originally part of the priory but over time fell into private hands and operated as an inn. During this time, an additional floor was added by the innkeeper but this was removed during the 1980's after it was found to be causing damage to the building's structure. The Society of Friends of King Richard III, who keep alive Richard's York heritage, hold their monthly meetings at Jacob's Well.

Margaret Clitherow Shrine

The Shambles, York YO1 7LZ

Phone: +44 (0)1904 621756

Saint Margaret Clitherow was a butcher's wife who converted to Catholicism and permitted mass to be said in her house despite this being a crime at the time. Her house on the Shambles was eventually searched and sufficient evidence gathered to condemn her to death. She was sentenced to death by crushing as a result of not offering a plea for fear of her family being forced to give evidence thereby putting them at risk. Margaret was executed in this brutal manner in 1586 and was subsequently canonised in 1970.

Assembly Rooms

Blake Street, York YO1 2QG

Phone: +44 (0)1904 637254

York Assembly Rooms were built by public subscription and completed in 1735. The assembly rooms were intended for dancing and other social activities and was most probably the earliest neo-classical building in Europe, based on Palladio's interpretation of Roman architecture, rather than his own buildings. The original façade was the work of the 3rd Earl of Burlington but replaced in 1828. The building now operates as an Italian restaurant and is open to the public and tours.

De Grey Rooms

Exhibition Square, York YO1 7HB

Phone: +44 (0)1904 621756 

The De Grey Rooms is a fine 19th Century building located on the junction of Exhibition Square and York's finest crescent - St Leonard's Place.

Originally built by public subscription, the De Grey Rooms housed the officers mess of the Yorkshire Hussars before the building went on to become a venue for balls, concerts and parties. It is now owned by the York Conversation Trust and operates as the main Tourist Information Centre for York.