National Trust: Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard
Nestling in the shadows of the gothic York Minster on Chapterhouse Street, this elegant and beautiful house was the former residence of the Treasurers of York Minster – a post second in status, power and wealth only to that of the Dean.
The house was first built in medieval times and dates from 1091 but the only parts of the original structure that still exist are in the 12th century external wall on the inside of Gray’s Court and the medieval masonry in the cellar.
One of the strangest features of the Roman Legion sighting was that Harry insisted that the ghosts of the men were only visible from the knee upwards.This was later explained by archaeologists who pointed out the fact that the house is built over a Roman road with the city walls behind it, following the line of a Roman fortress. You can see the section of Roman road and base of a Roman column now via a live CCTV link underneath.
If you like to live dangerously it’s also possible to take tours of the cellar where the full story is revealed.
The Treasurer’s house reflected the affluence of the post of Treasurer, who was responsible for managing the Minster and had to entertain and accommodate many important guests, and continued in their successive hands until the Reformation in 1547: this put paid to the riches of the Church after much of its wealth was confiscated by Henry Vlll; the house continued to be used by two post Reformation archbishops before being bought by the Youngs, a powerful and affluent family who rebuilt the main part of the house in the 16th and 17th centuries including the current facade.
After the house was sold during the English Civil War, it was divided into three separate dwellings and became the homes of gentry and clerics until the next owner, the fastidious Frank Green, bought all three houses in 1897 and proceeded to put them back together.
An ulterior motive was also to provide a suitable backdrop for his collection of antiques, paintings and ornaments.
This led him to refurbish all thirteen rooms in various architectural styles from differing periods in time: his main project took place in the hall which he was determined to recreate in the style of a medieval Great Hall, despite the fact that it had never actually been one; Green took out a room above to double the ceiling height and had the fireplace raised up to what he believed was the original floor level, with the result that it now sits at least a foot above the present storey.
Notoriously fussy and meticulous, Frank Green was also a bit of a dapper dresser and had his clothes sent from York to London to be cleaned. He also left out instructions for builders which can still be seen today, including a directive for them to wear slippers indoors. Always one to keep a tight check on things, Frank used to wander around the house at night to vet the work and used metal floor studs to indicate the exact position he wanted furniture to be.
Whatever the visitor may think to the hotchpotch of decorative styles inside the house, Frank Green’s ‘improvements’ have become a part of its history. It is certainly true that he was well before his time in his penchant for antiques, as at that time they were looked on simply as being old and were certainly not the valuable and collectible items that they are today.
Frank Green retired in 1930 and left his house and collection of antiques to the National Trust, making it the very first dwelling to be bequeathed in this manner.
In the 1960s and 70s much of Frank’s efforts were painted over in neutral colours, but after the original paintwork was revealed in the 1990s it was decided to recreate the colours in his inimitable style, and the rooms were restored to their original state – probably a good job since Frank had previously threatened to return to haunt the house if any of the furniture was moved after his death!Today, a tour of the house begins in the kitchens with a display relating to Frank Green’s life, with impressive rooms arranged in two wings either side of the Great Hall and a splendid William and Mary staircase leads to bedrooms filled with 17th and 19th century furniture and paintings.Every room has a guide who is happy to give the answers to any questions visitors may have.
One of Frank Green’s most pleasing legacies were the gardens which are laid out in simple architectural design and offer a peaceful and secluded retreat from which to view the superb materials, textures and colours in the facade of the house; an organic herb garden to the rear is redolent with aromas, and the front garden is used for civil ceremonies and private functions.
Tours and Facilities at Treasurer’s House:
The Edwardian Butler’s Tour takes you through the house as seen through the eyes of Downey the Butler, for a real upstairs/downstairs taste of what life was like for those in service.
Ghost Tour of the Historic House shows visitors that Roman soldiers are not the only ghosts in the house.
Audio Guides are available as well as Braille and large print guides.
There is a children’s guide and interactive exhibitions, quiz/trail, baby changing facilities. The house is suitable for school groups.
A tearoom is situated in the basement with traditional Yorkshire recipes. All food is freshly prepared and baked on the premises and wedding breakfasts, corporate functions and private parties can be catered for. Christmas lunches, Edwardian Breakfasts or High Teas and menus with a historic theme and pre-dinner drinks with canapes in the elegant garden can also be arranged.
Admission and Opening Times:
Access is by guided tour depending, or free flow according to dates.
Admission prices vary per tour as well as access to the house or cellar and so on. How To Find Treasurer’s House York:
Treasurer’s House
Minster Yard
York
YO1 7JL
Tel: 01904 624247
By Rail: York Train Station is half a mile from the House.
By Bus: There is a park and ride service operating from the outskirts of the city.
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