CIVIC trust chiefs in York have been forced to sell off one its prized buildings because of the draining costs of the Coppergate inquiry.

Darrell Buttery, the chairman, said it was with "enormous regret" that the charity had decided to dispose of The Old Manor House, in Clifton, which is more commonly known as Nell Gwynne's House.

The trust said it had been forced into the move by the costs of the Coppergate debate and the £250,000 restoration of the city's Mansion House.

The Elizabethan building, with its beamed interiors, has been placed on the market for offers around the £500,000 mark.

Although the Old Manor has been known as Nell Gwynne's House since Victorian times, it is believed she never stepped through the door.

Mr Buttery said that "hard economic reality" had forced the trust to look at its investments and take a "difficult decision".

"We received advice that we could considerably increase rental income from a different type of property in York," he said.

"Everyone knows we had to dig deep into our pockets for the Coppergate inquiry, and that followed hard on the heels of the £250,000 restoration of the Mansion House.

"This two items were huge expenditure for the trust and we are also committed to a large number of grants.

"It is a difficult time and it is with enormous regret that we have taken this decision. In many ways, this house is a quintessential York property and did bring people to the city."

Mr Buttery said negotiations to sell the building were in hand and the trust was hopeful of completing a sale before the end of the summer.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, July 29, 2003