A MAJOR revamp of a treasured York building is in its final stages as builders and renovators put the finishing touches in place at the Mansion House.

Silverware and furniture is being moved back into place at the Coney Street residence after the doors were closed two years ago for a £2.6 million restoration to go ahead.

Traditionally the Lord Mayor of York’s home during office, the property opened in 1732 and looks out on St Helen’s Square.

Builders moved in during the summer of 2015 and have unearthed a whole host of artefacts inside and outside the home.

Richard Pollitt, York Mansion House curator, said they found the original Roman-built Coney Street running underneath the home, a mummified cat and the deposits of a lady’s shoe in the Mayor’s accommodation, both of which are historically put in place to ward off evil or act as a good luck charm.

Mr Pollitt said footprints and handprints dating from the 16th Century were also found on the roof.

“It has been really extensive and we’ve done everything you can virtually do to a building.”

Decorators have added their fine touch to the walls and intricate borders to bring the colourful rooms back to their former glory.

The team behind the renovations is fitting out the kitchen with appliances staff used in the 1960s to allow visitors to take part in cookery courses.

Work is expected to end in December when the scaffolding comes down from the front of the building and visitors are invited in.

Cllr Keith Orrell, interim executive member for economic development and community engagement, added: “The restoration of York Mansion House has been a tremendous undertaking and thanks to a very dedicated and skilled staff the Mansion House will be a historical gem in York’s urban landscape.”