York
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about York from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of York's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Turpins Grave Approximately 50 Metres From Entrance to St…
York
This roughly-cut headstone is dedicated to John Palmer, the notorious highwayman and horse thief also known as Dick Turpin.
University of York Campus West designed landscape
Heslington
University campus landscape of 1963-1980 incorporating a late-C17/early-C18 formal landscape and an early-C19 fishpond belonging to Heslington Hall, by Andrew Derbyshire and Maurice Lee of...
York Castle: motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle (…
York
York Castle is a tower keep castle with early motte and bailey origins. It includes Clifford's Tower, important Roman and Anglian remains, and significant medieval structures.
York Minster cathedral precinct: including Bootham Bar an…
York
York Minster's site has been significant since the early seventh century, beginning with King Edwin's baptism by Paulinus, signifying Christianity's revival in northern Britain.
Central Hall, University of York
Heslington
Central lecture and recreation hall to the University of York, 1966-1968 by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall & Partners (RMJM) with Stirrat Johnson-Marshall and Andrew Derbyshire as partners...
St Mary's Abbey
York
Benedictine monastery founded in 1086 which was surrendered to the Crown to form the Kings Manor in 1539, being the seat of government for northern England for the next 200 years.
Bullnose Building, former Coal Manager's office and house
York
Coal manager's office and house of 1876 built for the North Eastern Railway (NER) as part of the new Goods Station complex envisaged by Thomas Prosser, NER Architect, and designed by...
Museum Gardens, York
York
The Museum Gardens, designed by Sir John Murray Naesmyth in 1844, feature historical relics like the Multangular Tower and St Mary's Abbey ruins, reflecting York's rich historical tapestry.
York City War Memorial in the War Memorial Garden
York
First World War memorial by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, 1925, with later inscriptions.
Untitled sculpture, University of York
Heslington
Public sculpture, 'Untitled', 1967 by Austin Wright.
The Golden Ball Public House
York
Public House. Early C19, with 1883 extension. 1929 remodelling of exterior and interior by Bertram Wilson, in-house architect to brewers John Smith's of Tadcaster.
Guildhall and Chamber Range, Atkinson block, Common Hall …
York
Guildhall and chamber range, council chamber (Atkinson Block), Common Hall Lane: a boundary wall with the Lendal Cellars Public House (Grade II), Lendal containing an entrance to Common Hall...
Bootham Park Hospital: front range, 1886 link block, late…
York
County Lunatic Asylum, now an NHS mental health hospital.
The Retreat and boundary walls
York
Mental asylum, now a mental health hospital. 1793 to 1797 to designs by John Bevans of London in consultation with William Tuke for The Society of Friends (Quakers).
Control Tower, Yorkshire Air Museum (former RAF Elvington)
Elvington
Control Tower (Watch Office), constructed to designs by the Air Ministry's Directorate of Works and Buildings (DWB), as a Night-Fighter Stations Watch Office, (based on drawing 12096/41),...
Rowntree Park
York
Rowntree Park in York, developed between 1919-21, commemorates WWII Cocoa Works staff. It features formal gardens, memorials, and recreational facilities managed by York City Council.
York Cemetery
York
A public cemetery established in 1836-37 by the York General Cemetery Company. James Pigott Pritchett designed the buildings and layout.
Fulford cross, 200m south west of the barracks
York
The Fulford cross, dating from circa 1484, is a medieval standing cross, significant for its historical role within Fulford village, despite weathering and loss of its head.
Cold War period Royal Observer Corps Group Headquarters, …
York
The Royal Observer Corps headquarters in York belonged to a network monitoring nuclear threats during the Cold War, maintaining morale and surviving nearly intact with original equipment.
Number 38 and Attached Walls and Railings
York
House, now boarding house for Bootham School. c1852 with later C19 additions and alterations, and some C20 alterations.
Odeon Cinema and Odeon Buildings
York
Cinema and shops attached. 1937, converted to triple screen cinema 1972. By Harry Weedon. Buff brick in Flemish garden-wall bond with bands and splayed vertical ribs of shaped brick.
Municipal Offices and Council Chamber and Guildhall Annex
York
Municipal Offices and Council Chamber, annex built for the Post Office. 1889-91 by E G Mawbey and Alfred Creer, City Surveyors. The architect of the early C20 annexe is unknown.
Mansion House, railings and gas lamps attached to front
York
Mansion House, and railings and gas lamps attached to the front, of 1725-1733, with alterations of 1884.
Clementhorpe Maltings
York
Maltings. Late C19, with C20 alterations. Red brick with plain tile roofs.
War Memorial
Bishopthorpe
War Memorial, 1921, designed by Brierley and Rutherford, in Portland stone.
The Swan Public House
York
Public House. Mid C19, with 1936 remodelling of the interior by Leeds architects' practice, Kitson, Parish, Ledgard & Pyman for brewers Joshua Tetley & Son Ltd of Leeds.
Leeman Road District First World War Memorial
York
First World War memorial including the names of three female munitions workers.
Dryad sculpture, University of York
Heslington
Public sculpture (including plinth) entitled 'Dryad', 1983-1984 by Austin Wright.
Clifton War Memorial
York
First World War memorial, unveiled 23 April 1920, designed by Walter Brierley of Brierley and Rutherford Architects and sculpted by George Milburn.
Stockton-on-the-Forest War Memorial
Stockton-on-the-Forest
First World War memorial, 1920, with later addition for the Second World War.
Covered walkway linking the former Langwith College to Ce…
Heslington
Covered walkway, 1966-1968, by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners (RMJM).
War Memorial at the Church of St Edward the Confessor
York
First World War memorial, 1922, by Brierley and Rutherford, with later additions for the Second World War.
Lych Gate and Dovecote, Rowntree Park
York
Gatehouse (known as lych gate) and dovecote of 1921, likely to be designed by Frederick Rowntree or W J Swain for Rowntree and Co Ltd and presented to the City of York as part of the...
York through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how York changes over time.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of York
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
York
York Castle and Prison, York, 1926
York
Clifford's Tower, York, 1953
York
York Minster, York, 1926
York
York Minster and the city, York, 1953
York
Terry's Chocolate Factory and environs, York, 1926
York
York Racecourse, Terry's Chocolate Factory and environs, York, 1972
York
The York Racecourse County Stand and Grand Stand and Terry's Chocolate Factory (Bishopthorpe Works), York, 1947
York
The York Racecourse Count Stand and Grand Stand, York, 1947
York
The Henry Richardson and Co Chemical Manure Works on Skeldergate Bridge, York, 1953
York
The Henry Richardson and Co Chemical Manure Works on Skeldergate Bridge, York, 1953
York in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of York's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
York
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Looking north along The Shambles, with people standing in the street
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
York
Date created: 1966 - 1974
The Chemistry Department water tower at the University of York, viewed from the south east at night
Eric de Mare
York
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior detail view of the Elm Bank Hotel in York showing a decorative overmantle by George Walton.
John Laing Collection
York
Date created: 29 Jun 1955
The walls of a sugar silo under construction at Poppleton Sugar Beet Factory site
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
York
Date created: 29 Jun 1923
A general view looking along the city wall on the west side of Station Road, towards Lendal Bridge and York Minster, with a young boy walking across...
Alfred Newton and Sons
York
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING THE POSTERN TOWER AND PART OF LENDAL BRIDGE IN YORK
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
York
Date created: 1910 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS RIVER AND BRIDGE
Margaret Tomlinson Collection
York
Date created: 1960
A view from the south along Clifford Street showing the Law Courts (Magistrates Court) on the left of the foreground
Walter Scott
York
Date created: 28 May 1931
A view looking north-east across St Helen's Square towards St Helen's Church
Eric de Mare
York
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of the Red House in Duncombe Place in York looking towards the corner of the Theatre Royal and the church.
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
York
Date created: 29 Jun 1893
A view looking south-east from Lendal Bridge, with a small motor boat travelling along the river
Walter Scott
York
Date created: 1930
Looking down a street in York with the Black Swan Hotel on the right hand side
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about York.
Protecting Railway Heritage: One of England’s Early Goods Depots
Mentions York
Researching the goods depot in Darlington to inform protection and its place in regeneration.
Sixteenth Century Stockport Pub Gains Grade II Listed Status
Mentions York
The Angel Inn in Stockport has been added to the National Heritage List for England at Grade II.
New Roof and Repairs for Medieval Upminster Tithe Barn
Mentions York
A 12 month project is underway to save the 15th century Upminster Tithe Barn in partnership with National Highways and the London Borough of Havering.
The Story of 1066: Why William the Conqueror Invaded England
Mentions Cliffords Tower
William I, also known as William the Conqueror, was the first Norman king of England, who reigned from 1066 to 1087 following the Battle of Hastings.
10 Historic Places to Explore in York
Mentions Multangular Tower and Wall Attached to South East, St Marys Abbey Remains Church, Yorkshire Museum, Tempest Anderson Hall and St Marys Abbey Remains
Explore the historic sites of York including York Minster, Shambles, the city walls, and Clifford's Tower.
10 Lesser Known Places Linked to King Henry VIII
Mentions The Kings Manor, St Mary's Abbey
Discover the lesser-known historic sites linked to Henry VIII, including Whitehall Palace, Windsor Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, and Eltham Palace, London.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions Cliffords Tower, York Castle: motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle (, City Walls, gates, posterns (not
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
7 Places Connected to Witchcraft in England
Mentions Castle Museum, the Female Prison
Discover the places associated with witchcraft in England including Colchester Castle, Mother Shipton's Cave, Pendle Hill and York Castle Prison.
English High Street Architecture Through the Ages
Mentions 9, Shambles
Explore how the architecture of the English high street has evolved over the centuries.
Ghost Signs: Spooky Remains of a Hidden Past
Mentions Foss Bridge House
Once you’re on the look out for ghost signs, you’ll find they are frequently hidden in plain sight.
A Brief History of Community Centres in England
Mentions The Folk Hall
Community centres emerged in the late 19th century through a variety of social movements.
12 of the Oldest Tea Rooms in England
Mentions 2-8, St Helens Square, 2, Davygate
Tea rooms first appeared in England in the 18th century, and the first tea room, Twinings, has stood in the same spot for over 300 years.
Ee ‘beer’ gum – it’s Yorkshire Day!
Mentions Clementhorpe Maltings
This Yorkshire Day we're taking a tour of God’s own county’s beer brewing heritage.
5 Historic Places that Mark LGBTQ+ Love and Pride
Mentions Church of Holy Trinity
Explore the historic places in England connected to LGBTQ+ history
Gruesome Georgians: Crime and Punishment
Mentions Castle Museum, the Female Prison, Castle Museum the Debtors Prison
Discover some of the buildings and listed places connected to the underworld of Georgian England
Mentions York
In this episode join Dr Suzannah Lipscomb to learn about the 13 monks from York who set up Fountains Abbey over 1000 years ago and an atmospheric...
Fountains Abbey and a Jewish cemetery in Cornwall
In this episode join Dr Suzannah Lipscomb to learn about the 13 monks from York who set up Fountains Abbey over 1000 years ago and an atmospheric Jewish cemetery in Falmouth. The 100 places featured in this series have been nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of judges. Together they help tell England’s fascinating history. Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places is a Historic England podcast, sponsored by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical ecclesiastical.com
Mentions York
Anne Lister, who lived between 1791 and 1840, is sometimes described as ‘the first modern lesbian’.
Reading Anne Lister's Diaries with Sarah Waters
Anne Lister, who lived between 1791 and 1840, is sometimes described as ‘the first modern lesbian’. Recorded in 2016, author Sarah Waters looks at the diary that reveals Lister's many sexual encounters.
Mentions York
In 2022, York City Football Club moved from Bootham Crescent to a new, out-of-town stadium, the LNER Community Stadium.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 7
In 2022, York City Football Club moved from Bootham Crescent to a new, out-of-town stadium, the LNER Community Stadium.
Mentions York
Watch part 6 in our short series exploring people's connections and emotions with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 6
Watch part 6 in our short series exploring people's connections and emotions with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Mentions York
Part 5 of our exploration into the connections and emotions people have with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 5
Part 5 of our exploration into the connections and emotions people have with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Mentions York
Watch the 4th video in our series exploring people's connections and emotions with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 4
Watch the 4th video in our series exploring people's connections and emotions with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Mentions York
Part 3 in a short series exploring the connections and emotions people have with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 3
Part 3 in a short series exploring the connections and emotions people have with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Mentions York
Part 2 in a short series exploring the connections and emotions people have with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 2
Part 2 in a short series exploring the connections and emotions people have with Bootham Crescent, the home of York City Football Club.
Mentions York
York City Football Club is moving to a new, out of town football and rugby league stadium in 2022, and 2019/20 is the final season of football to be...
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 1
York City Football Club is moving to a new, out of town football and rugby league stadium in 2022, and 2019/20 is the final season of football to be played at the ground, which is due to be redeveloped for housing.
Curzon Street Station, Birmingham: Past, Present and Future
Mentions York
Examining the building complex of the first railway to connect the capital with a major provincial city.
The Bridges of the Bishop Auckland & Weardale Railway
Mentions York
Exploring the engineering confidence and experimentation in form and style demonstrated by the Bishop Auckland & Weardale Railway's bridges
Protecting Railway Heritage: One of England’s Early Goods Depots
Mentions York
Researching the goods depot in Darlington to inform protection and its place in regeneration.
Sixteenth Century Stockport Pub Gains Grade II Listed Status
Mentions York
The Angel Inn in Stockport has been added to the National Heritage List for England at Grade II.
Heritage and Social Prescribing in Action
Mentions York
Research article sharing good practice on social prescribing delivery in community heritage projects.
Medieval Jewish Cemetery in York Granted Protected Status
Mentions York
The site of York's medieval Jewish cemetery, known as Jewbury, has been granted protected status following advice from Historic England.
Articulating Loss: Understanding and Communicating the Loss of Coastal Heritage
Mentions York
A collaborative PhD project researching methods of communicating the physical and emotional impacts of loss of coastal heritage.
Overheating and Historic Buildings
Mentions York
This article explores how occupant comfort in historic buildings is being challenged under the influence of global warming trends.
Research Reports Roundup February 2025
Mentions York
A roundup of the latest additions to our research reports database from October 2024 to February 2025, arranged by theme.
Historic England Uses Cutting Edge Technology at York Minster
Mentions York
Historic England and York Minster have joined forces to showcase some of the cutting-edge technology available to heritage sites facing disaster.
Lost and Found: Treasures in the Archive
Mentions York
This COVID-19 inspired project showcases the potential of online heritage engagement to improve individual wellbeing for diverse audiences.
New Roof and Repairs for Medieval Upminster Tithe Barn
Mentions York
A 12 month project is underway to save the 15th century Upminster Tithe Barn in partnership with National Highways and the London Borough of Havering.
York's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
York Minster, York, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
York Minster was founded on the site of a Roman fortress in 627. It is also known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter.
York Minster, York, York
York Minster, York, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
York Minster floodlit at night. The south transept was constructed in circa 1225-45.
York Minster, York, York
York City Walls and Bootham Bar, York, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Medieval towns were surrounded by walls with gates to allow people in and out.
York City Walls and Bootham Bar, York, York
York Citizens War Memorial, Leeman Road, York
Period: World War One (1914 - 1919)
The City War Memorial was put up in 1924 in the War Memorial Park. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
York Citizens War Memorial, Leeman Road, York
Trinity Lane, York, York
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Houses along Trinity Lane in York date from between circa 1500 and circa 1750. The buildings seen here date from the latter end of this time scale.
Trinity Lane, York, York
The Roman Bath Public House, St Sampsons Square, York
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
This public house was built in 1929-31, to designs by B Wilson. It includes parts of a Roman bathhouse in the cellar.
The Roman Bath Public House, St Sampsons Square, York
The Retreat Hospital, Heslington Road, York
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This building was built as a mental hospital (lunatic asylum). It was built in 1793-97 by John Bevans of London for The Society of Friends (Quakers).
The Retreat Hospital, Heslington Road, York
The Norman House, Church Passage, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
These are the ruins of a house built in the late 1100s. It is the earliest known medieval house in York.
The Norman House, Church Passage, York
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