York Guildhall, York

York Guildhall, a historical gem nestled in Saint Martins Courtyard, York, serves as a testament to the city's rich past. Constructed between 1449 and 1459, this Grade I listed building was originally designed as a meeting place for York's various guilds. Its significant history includes hosting King Richard III in 1483 and serving as the trial venue for Saint Margaret Clitherow, a Catholic martyr, in 1586. Another notable event occurred in 1647 during the English Civil War when a ransom of 拢200,000 was counted within its walls to secure the release of Charles I from the Scots. The Guildhall also welcomed Prince Albert, the Prince Consort to Queen Victoria, during a royal banquet in October 1850.

The north end of the Guildhall once boasted a stained glass window crafted by Henry Gyles around 1682, adding a decorative flourish to the building. The early 19th and late 19th centuries saw expansions with the addition of the Atkinson Room in 1811 and the Municipal Offices in 1891, both serving to accommodate growing civic needs.

Tragically, the original building's interior, including its historic stained glass window, was destroyed during a Baedeker raid in 1942. Post-World War II, the Guildhall underwent a significant rebuild. A new stained glass window, created by Harry Harvey of York, was installed, encapsulating five key themes of York's history, and the complex was reopened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1960.

For much of the 20th century, the Guildhall was the venue for City of York Council meetings until restoration work began in 2017. The council temporarily relocated to the former Salvation Army Citadel on Gillygate. After completion in 2022, the Guildhall entered a new chapter as it was leased to the University of York, repurposed as a center for start-up businesses, continuing its legacy as a central figure in the city's civic and cultural life.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: York Guildhall
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

York's Historical Architecture

Walking Tours in York, England

Create Your Own Walk in York

Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

York City Wall Tour

Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.

The surviving portion of the town wall 鈥� 3.4km (2 miles) 鈥� is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

York's Historical Architecture

Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country鈥檚 past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety 鈥� from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more 鈥� that makes the city... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

York's Old Town

A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England鈥榮 history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.

The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

York's Historical Pubs Tour

Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.

There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

York Introduction Walking Tour

Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and J贸rv铆k, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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