AN HISTORIC coat of arms above York’s King’s Manor has been restored to its former glory.

The building served the Tudors and Stuarts and was headquarters of the Council of the North. It was visited by Henry VIII, Charles I and James I, who all stayed there.

The coat of arms is that of Charles I, who stayed at King’s Manor in 1633 and 1639. It depicts the emblems of France, England, Scotland and Ireland, but had been exposed and worn by the elements prior to the recent restoration.

Helen Stephenson, from the University’s Estates Department, who managed the project, said: “The driving force behind the conservation work was a suggestion by Professor Sir Ron Cooke, former vice-chancellor of the university, that embarking on the restoration would be a fitting way for the university to support the York 800 celebrations and Reinvigorate York.

“The process began with a detailed condition survey and architectural paint research in November 2011, which led to some quite significant stonework repairs and the repainting of the coat of arms.”

The work was carried out by Hirst Conservation on behalf of the University of York and builds on earlier restoration work by the York Civic Trust in 1972.

The coat of arms was restored using traditional lead based paint, and gilding carried out in 23¾ carat gold using loose and transfer gold leaf.

Peter Addyman, chairman of the York Civic Trust, said: “The restored coat of arms looks fabulous and is an excellent example of modern conservation.”