Treasurer's House

The Treasurer's House is a beautiful, historic building in the care of the National Trust.

Originally the home of the Minster's Treasurer, the Treasurer's House may be found behind the Chapter House on the north side of the cathedral.

From shortly after the Norman Conquest until the Reformation, it was the treasurer who had the responsibility for the Minster's silver and other treasures. In addition, the treasurer also acted as host to Royal and ecclesiastical visitors.

Radulphus was the first treasurer and he received his appointment in 1091.

However, the house did not escape the great fire of York in 1137 and was unfortunately burned down. It was rebuilt in the reign of Edward I.

Parts of this building can be found behind the Jacobean facade. Although the major part of the house was rebuilt in the 1600s, touring around the building one cannot help but feel that you are going on a journey though time, so many are the different architectural styles.

This historic confusion is exacerbated by the design of the interior, which shifts from elegant Georgian to opulent Victorian, and even to Roman design (the Roman influence is attributable to the fact that the house was actually built above Roman remains).

The protagonist of this innovative yet confusing architectural design was Frank Green, who bought this house in 1897 after a period of neglect. He came from a family of industrialists and for three years, with his architect Temple Moore, carried out radical reconstruction work on the house.

For instance, in the Great Hall, he took away a complete floor that had been added in the 18th century, creating a new hall whose historic origins could be anything from medieval to Victorian.

The Tapestry Room is a pleasure to behold, its walls being adorned with 17th century Flemish tapestries, giving a powerful insight into the interior design of the early 1700s.

The fireplace is original and the floor-to-ceiling panelling was discovered beneath layers of wallpaper.

The fine Venetian chandelier over the staircase hall was installed in the York Assembly Rooms in 1723 but discarded after gas oilers were introduced.

There is also a bedevilled nature to the house with several sightings of Roman soldiers in the cellars, but they are only visible from the knees up: the soldiers were marching on the level of the Roman road 14 inches below the cellar floor!

The season starts with an Easter egg hunt, takes you on Butler's tours and ends with Christmas concerts. In between there are various exhibitions including temporary art exhibitions which are changed every few weeks.

Further details:

Open: Mar 17-Nov 4 Sat-Thu 11am-4.30pm.

Admission: House: Adult £5.50, child £2.80, family £13.80 (2 adults & 3 children). House and Cellar: Adult £7.70, child £4. Cellar (NT members): £2, child £1.50. Garden/Tea room/Gallery: Free (Large groups welcome but need to divide so not more than 15 touring the house at a time).

Facilities: Tea-room, art gallery, baby changing facilities.

Disabled access: Limited - please phone first.

Contact: (01904) 646757

Email: treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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