York
Georgian civic history

Guide to York Mansion House

Step inside the historic residence of York's Lord Mayor and plan your visit to its Georgian state rooms.

HistoryArchitectureLocal heritage

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
About York Mansion House

York Mansion House serves as the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and remains the oldest purpose-built mayoral home in the country. This 18th-century landmark invites visitors to explore four floors of civic history, ranging from the elegant State Room to the functional Georgian kitchen. The curated collections highlight generations of local governance through municipal silver, gold, and fine art.

Red-brick Georgian building with white stone trim, arched ground-floor windows, a coat of arms above the central windows, and a flag flying from the roof, seen from a paved public square
York Mansion House opening hours in York

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for York Mansion House. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in York.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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10:30-17:00
10:30-17:00
10:30-17:00
10:30-17:00
10:30-17:00
Admission and Ticket Categories for York Mansion House

Access to the historic York Mansion House requires paid entry, with various categories available to accommodate different visitor groups. Reduced pricing options are offered for seniors, students, and children, with family tickets also available to cover two adults and up to three children. These temporary summer reduction prices apply from 25 June through 1 September 2026. Visitors should note that student status requires valid identification.

Adult (Summer reduction)
Price not listed
Senior (Summer reduction)
£4.81

Visitor over 65 Normal price £5.50

Student (Summer reduction)
£4.81

Full-time student aged 16 or older Normal price £5.50

Accessing York Mansion House with a City Pass

Visitors to the York Mansion House can explore the historic civic residence and its collections using an active city pass. This convenient option provides included access to the state rooms and kitchen displays during standard visiting hours. Please check the individual pass terms to confirm coverage and any necessary entry requirements before arriving.

York Mansion House Location and Orientation

The York Mansion House is situated on St Helen's Square in York, England. As the official residence of the Lord Mayor, this prominent central location makes it convenient for visitors exploring the city's civic history. Its position on the square provides a straightforward starting point for discovering the historic home and its celebrated collections of ceremonial gold and silver.

Exploring the History of York Mansion House

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.

Silver dragon-shaped brooch displayed on dark purple velvet

History of York Mansion House

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.

  • Donation of the Sigismund sword in 1439

    1439Collection

    On 5 May 1439, the dean of Windsor Henry Hanslap presented the Sigismund sword to the City of York. Originally owned by Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund and used as part of his knightly regalia, the sword features a blued blade and a scabbard decorated with dragon emblems.

  • Donation of the Bowes sword in 1549

    1549Collection

    Sir Martin Bowes, then Lord Mayor of London, donated a formal sword to the City of York on 20 September 1549 as an expression of gratitude for the council's decision to preserve St. Cuthbert's Church. The sword, known as the Bowes sword, is notable for its silver and gilt ornamentation and precious stone settings.

  • Bequest of silver and gold items in 1669

    1669Collection

    In 1669, Marmaduke Rawdon bequeathed funds to the City of York specifically for the creation of a gold drinking cup and a silver chamber pot. These items were designed for the use of the Lord Mayors and remain a part of the city's significant collection of civic plate.

  • Demolition of existing structures in 1724

    1724Construction

    The site of the current Mansion House, which previously included a chapel, various tenements, and the Cross Keys public house owned by the Guild of St. Christopher and St. George, was cleared in 1724 to make way for the new residence.

  • Construction of the residence from 1725 to 1732

    1725-1732Construction

    The foundation stone of the Mansion House was laid in 1725, with construction work lasting seven years until its completion in 1732. Designed in an early Georgian style, it remains the oldest purpose-built official residence for a Lord Mayor currently in existence.

  • Designated as a Grade I listed building in 1954

    1954Heritage status

    On 14 June 1954, the Mansion House, along with its attached railings and gas lamps, was formally recognized as a Grade I listed building, providing it with statutory protection as a site of exceptional historical and architectural interest.

  • Restoration by York Civic Trust in 1998

    1998Renovation

    In 1998, the building underwent a restoration program led by the York Civic Trust to preserve the historic fabric and appearance of the mayoral residence.

  • Opening Doors refurbishment project, 2015-2017

    2015-2017Renovation

    Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the 'Opening Doors' project initiated in October 2015 focused on restoring original kitchens, improving visitor displays, conserving the civic collection, and developing environmental management plans. The building reopened to the public in 2017.

Curiosities & Practicalities: York Mansion House FAQ

Trying to find York Mansion House? While you won't find a street number on its envelope—it sits proudly right on St Helen's Square in York—getting here is remarkably easy. If you need to email or call, we suggest checking their official site, as we do not have the Lord Mayor's direct hotline!

What is the phone number for York Mansion House?

An official phone number for York Mansion House is not currently listed. We recommend checking their official online channels for telephone contact options.

What is the email address for York Mansion House?

A direct email address for York Mansion House is not currently available. Please check their official website for contact forms or email details.

How do I contact York Mansion House?

Specific contact methods for York Mansion House are not currently provided. Visitors should consult the official website for current inquiries.

What are the opening hours of York Mansion House?

York Mansion House is open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10:30 and 17:00. The venue is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

York Mansion House Gallery & Visual Preview

Discover the historic charm of the York Mansion House in York through these evocative images. The gallery showcases the building's striking Georgian facade, complete with its red brickwork, arched windows, and the York coat of arms carved into the pediment. Visitors can also preview exquisite treasures from the civic collection, including engraved silver tankards, ceremonial swords, and precious gold cups.

Red brick and white stone Georgian facade of York Mansion House with arched ground-floor windows, a pediment bearing the York coat of arms, and a flagpole, with people walking in the paved square in front
Red brick and white stone Georgian facade of York Mansion House with coat of arms on pediment, arched ground floor windows, and a flagpole against a clear blue sky
Red-brick Georgian building with white stone trim, arched ground-floor windows, a coat of arms above the central windows, and a flag flying from the roof, seen from a paved public square
Silver dragon-shaped brooch displayed on dark purple velvet
A polished gold goblet with an engraved stem and base standing in front of an open, dark velvet-lined presentation case.
Ceremonial sword with ornate gold hilt and crossguard, dark wrapped grip, and round pommel, displayed against a plain light background
A polished silver ceremonial cup with an engraved coat of arms and a curved handle, set against a plain white background
York

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