Mansion House, York
York's Mansion House on St Helen's Square is the Georgian home of the city's Lord Mayors, built between 1725 and 1732. The Grade I-listed house also works as a museum, with a Silver Gallery showing one of the largest collections of civic silver in England.
Photos
York Mansion House
A working Georgian house
The Mansion House is still the official residence of the Lord Mayor during their year in office, which makes it unusual among English civic buildings. Its red-brick and stone frontage, possibly designed by William Etty, faces St Helen's Square where Coney Street and Lendal meet. Behind it stands the fifteenth-century Guildhall. The Mayor Making ceremony is still held in the Guildhall each May. The building's railings and gas lamps are included in its Grade I listing.
What to see
The Silver Gallery, open to visitors since 2017, displays the city's civic plate, while the regalia include a seventeenth-century mace and ceremonial city swords. Portraits of past Lord Mayors hang in the house. A major restoration, Opening Doors, closed the building from 2015 to 2017 and opened more of it to the public.
Planning a visit
It is right in the centre, so it slots easily into a day on foot. Bettys is across the square for tea, and Bill's and Rise Coffee are nearby. Check opening times and tour availability before you go, as it is a working civic building and is sometimes used for events.
Highlights
- Built 1725–1732
- Grade I listed
- Official residence of the Lord Mayor of York
- Silver Gallery of civic plate
- On St Helen's Square, by the Guildhall
Good to know
- It is a working civic building and is sometimes closed for events; check before visiting.
- Bettys tea room is on the same square.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: en.wikipedia.org