Free entry to treasure houses

10:10am Friday 9th May 2008

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THREE of York's historic tourist attractions are preparing to go on show to the city's residents for free.

Because of their annual winter cleaning programme, Fairfax House, the Treasurer's House and the Merchant Adventurer's Hall were unable to open to the public during York's annual Residents' First Weekend in January.

So the teams which run the trio of houses have decided to waive admission charges to visitors who live in the city for the next six days, starting from tomorrow.

Fairfax House director Peter Brown, pictured, says he is delighted the people of York will have the chance to look around the 18th century Georgian town house in Castlegate, saying: "During May, there will be the opportunity for visitors to see the Passion for Buildings exhibition which looks at the Amateur Architect in England 1650-1850 exhibition.

"This exhibition has been curated by the Sir John Soane's Museum and shows off a number of distinguished buildings designed by Yorkshire gentlemen architects, including Lord Burlington, William Worsley and Sir Thomas Robinson.

"There will also be a chance to see the 300-year-old Chinese famille verte vase and the remnants of a Chinese shopping list, which caused a media stir at the start of the year."

The delicate list was discovered during the January clean-up at Fairfax House in an 18th century vase, since when it has been sent away for further analysis.

Meanwhile, the Treasurer's House property manager Jane Whitehead is promising surprises in store for visitors to the Minster Yard attraction, saying: "I don't want to give too much away, but the garden, the tearoom and the conservation staff all have some special opportunities for residents to see what great places their city holds, just off the beaten track."

Meanwhile, repainting work of the great ceiling at the Merchant Adventurer's Hall in Fossgate has been taking place, and hall manager Jill Malusky-Bacon said: "Visitors can once again appreciate the beautiful timber frames in all their glory.

"And now in its 651st year, we're excited to share the Hall's interactive computer exhibition Meet the Merchants', celebrating its long and impressive history in a fun and modern way." To gain entry to any of the three venues between 11am and 4.30pm from tomorrow until next Thursday, residents will need to show their York Cards. More information is available at www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk, www.nationaltrust.org.uk and www.theyorkcompany.co.uk