Explore four floors of civic and social history at the oldest purpose-built house for a lord mayor in England. Discover working Georgian kitchens, ceremonial reception rooms, and collections of historic silver, furniture, and paintings.
Discover four floors of civic history, Georgian architecture, and municipal collections in England's oldest purpose-built mayoral residence.

York Mansion House serves as the historic official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, providing visitors with a unique window into centuries of civic and domestic life. As the oldest purpose-built mayoral residence in England, the property showcases grand Georgian architecture across four distinct floors. Guests explore the contrast between elegant State Rooms used for formal hospitality and the functional working kitchen where household staff once managed daily operations. The venue houses extensive civic collections, including gold and silver, historic furniture, and fine paintings that document local governance. This immersive experience highlights the intersection of political ceremony and the practical administration of a traditional household within this prominent York heritage site.

Built between 1725 and 1732 in York, the York Mansion House is the **oldest purpose-built official residence** for a Lord Mayor in existence. Designated as a Grade I listed building in 1954, the early Georgian residence houses historic treasures like the 1439 Sigismund sword and the 1549 Bowes sword. Following restoration by the York Civic Trust in 1998 and a major *conservation project* from 2015 to 2017, the building reopened to preserve its rich civic heritage.
Locate historic exhibitions and heritage sites in York.
Identify museums to visit in York that match your specific interests. Discover heritage highlights and local history exhibitions tailored to what you want to learn. Plan a highly personalized itinerary through the rich cultural landscape of this historic destination.