Fairfax House

Elegance and quality of craftsmanship exude from every room of the magnificent Fairfax House, which presents the visitor with an enviable insight into privileged life of opulence during the Georgian era.

This house in Castlegate can be dated back to the 1750s when it was under the ownership of Joseph Marsh.

However, it is better known as the home of Charles Gregory, the last Viscount of Fairfax, who moved from London to York in the late 1750s.

After buying the house, he set about remodelling it for his daughter Anne.

By using the best architects and craftsmen he created a magnificent home.

But over the following centuries this fine example of Georgian craftsmanship was neglected and misused.

It finally became a club and dance hall when it was taken over by St George's Hall Cinema Company in 1919.

This company went into receivership in the late 1960s and ownership was passed onto York City Council.

Fifteen years later, the Council sold the property to York Civic Trust who, at great cost, restored the building to its former glory.

Eminent Yorkshire architect Francis Johnson conducted the restoration.

The house has been exquisitely furnished with items which were bequeathed to York Civic Trust by Noel Terry, treasurer of the Trust for 25 years, who died in 1980.

Mr Terry was the great-grandson of Joseph Terry, the founder of the world-famous Terry's confectionery business.

Further details:

Open: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 11am until 4.30pm, Sun 1.30pm until 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Friday - guided tours at 11am and 2pm only.

Admission: Adults £4.50, concessions £4, accompanied children free.

Facilities: Shop.

Disabled access: Restricted. Please ring before visit.

Contact: Tel: (01904) 655543 Fax: (01904) 652262

Email: peterbrown@fairfaxhouse.co.uk

Website: www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk

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