Mansion House, York
The Mansion House in York stands as a proud testament to Georgian architecture and serves as the residence of the city's Lord Mayors during their tenure. It holds the distinction of being the earliest purpose-built house of its kind still in use, predating its London counterpart by at least two decades.
Constructed on the grounds of the old "Common Hall Gates," which once provided entry to the 15th-century York Guildhall, the Mansion House holds historical significance deeply rooted in the city's governance. The foundation stone was laid in 1725, and after seven years of construction, the house was completed in 1732. Although the architect remains unknown, the frontage is tentatively attributed to William Etty.
Each May, the Mayor Making ceremony takes place in the Guildhall, preceding the Lord Mayor's occupancy of the Mansion House. This tradition connects the modern city administration with its medieval roots.
Inside, the Mansion House boasts an impressive collection of civic silver, including artifacts such as a 17th-century silver chamber pot and gold cup procured for the City of York through the bequest of Marmaduke Rawdon in 1669. The collection also includes notable pieces of regalia, such as a 17th-century mace and two historic city swords: the Bowes Sword, donated by Sir Martin Bowes in 1545, and the Sigismund Sword, once owned by the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund dating back to 1416.
Beyond its silver collection and regalia, the Mansion House is adorned with antique furniture and oil paintings depicting previous Lord Mayors of York, including notable figures such as George IV as Prince Regent, Charles Watson-Wentworth, Marquis of Rockingham, and George Hudson.
Constructed on the grounds of the old "Common Hall Gates," which once provided entry to the 15th-century York Guildhall, the Mansion House holds historical significance deeply rooted in the city's governance. The foundation stone was laid in 1725, and after seven years of construction, the house was completed in 1732. Although the architect remains unknown, the frontage is tentatively attributed to William Etty.
Each May, the Mayor Making ceremony takes place in the Guildhall, preceding the Lord Mayor's occupancy of the Mansion House. This tradition connects the modern city administration with its medieval roots.
Inside, the Mansion House boasts an impressive collection of civic silver, including artifacts such as a 17th-century silver chamber pot and gold cup procured for the City of York through the bequest of Marmaduke Rawdon in 1669. The collection also includes notable pieces of regalia, such as a 17th-century mace and two historic city swords: the Bowes Sword, donated by Sir Martin Bowes in 1545, and the Sigismund Sword, once owned by the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund dating back to 1416.
Beyond its silver collection and regalia, the Mansion House is adorned with antique furniture and oil paintings depicting previous Lord Mayors of York, including notable figures such as George IV as Prince Regent, Charles Watson-Wentworth, Marquis of Rockingham, and George Hudson.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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.
Mansion House on Map
Sight Name: Mansion House
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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's Old Town
A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England‘s 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 – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – 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
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'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’s past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety – from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more – that makes the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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 – 3.4km (2 miles) – 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
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – 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 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 Jórvík, 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles