Historic York
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about York from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover York's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of York's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Turpins Grave Approximately 50 Metres From Entrance to St…
York
This roughly-cut headstone is dedicated to John Palmer, the notorious highwayman and horse thief also known as Dick Turpin.
University of York Campus West designed landscape
Heslington
University campus landscape of 1963-1980 incorporating a late-C17/early-C18 formal landscape and an early-C19 fishpond belonging to Heslington Hall,...
Central Hall, University of York
Heslington
Central lecture and recreation hall to the University of York, 1966-1968 by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall & Partners (RMJM) with Stirrat...
York Castle: motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle (…
York
A tower keep castle is a strongly fortified residence in which the keep is the principal defensive feature.
York Minster cathedral precinct: including Bootham Bar an…
York
The present cathedral church known as York Minster is at least the fourth major church to have stood on this site.
St Mary's Abbey
York
Benedictine monastery founded in 1086 which was surrendered to the Crown to form the Kings Manor in 1539, being the seat of government for northern...
Bullnose Building, former Coal Manager's office and house
York
Coal manager's office and house of 1876 built for the North Eastern Railway (NER) as part of the new Goods Station complex envisaged by Thomas...
York City War Memorial in the War Memorial Garden
York
First World War memorial by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, 1925, with later inscriptions. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Untitled sculpture, University of York
Heslington
Public sculpture, ‘Untitled’, 1967 by Austin Wright.
Guildhall and Chamber Range, Atkinson block, Common Hall …
York
Guildhall and chamber range, council chamber (Atkinson Block), Common Hall Lane: a boundary wall with the Lendal Cellars Public House (Grade II),...
Bootham Park Hospital: front range, 1886 link block, late…
York
County Lunatic Asylum, now an NHS mental health hospital.
Control Tower, Yorkshire Air Museum (former RAF Elvington)
Elvington
The Control Tower (Watch Office), Yorkshire Air Museum (former RAF Elvington), completed in 1942, is listed at Grade II for the following principal...
North Eastern Railway Company War Memorial
York
The North Eastern Railway Company war memorial, York, is listed at Grade II for the following principle reasons: Group value: with the scheduled City...
York Cemetery
York
A public cemetery established in 1836-37 by the York General Cemetery Company. James Pigott Pritchett designed the buildings and layout.
Former North Eastern Railway Goods Station
York
Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.
Cold War period Royal Observer Corps Group Headquarters, …
York
The Cold War, which developed between the Soviet Union and the western allies after World War II, had a major effect on both Britain's defence policy...
Fulford cross, 200m south west of the barracks
York
A standing cross is a free standing upright structure, usually of stone, mostly erected during the medieval period (mid 10th to mid 16th centuries AD).
War Memorial in St Cuthbert's Churchyard
York
The war memorial cross outside the Church of St Cuthbert, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: with the Grade I-listed Church of...
Clifton War Memorial
York
First World War memorial, unveiled 23 April 1920, designed by Walter Brierley of Brierley and Rutherford Architects and sculpted by George Milburn.
Stockton-on-the-Forest War Memorial
Stockton-on-the-Forest
First World War memorial, 1920, with later addition for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Covered walkway linking the former Langwith College to Ce…
Heslington
Covered walkway, 1966-1968, by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners (RMJM).
Lych Gate and Dovecote, Rowntree Park
York
Gatehouse (known as lych gate) and dovecote of 1921, likely to be designed by Frederick Rowntree or W J Swain for Rowntree and Co Ltd and presented to...
Odeon Cinema and Odeon Buildings
York
Cinema and shops attached. 1937, converted to triple screen cinema 1972. By Harry Weedon.
Number 38 and Attached Walls and Railings
York
House, now boarding house for Bootham School. c1852 with later C19 additions and alterations, and some C20 alterations.
Mansion House, railings and gas lamps attached to front
York
Mansion House, and railings and gas lamps attached to the front, of 1725-1733, with alterations of 1884.
Municipal Offices and Council Chamber and Guildhall Annex
York
Municipal Offices and Council Chamber, annex built for the Post Office. 1889-91 by E G Mawbey and Alfred Creer, City Surveyors.
Standing tower and below ground remains of St Lawrence's …
York
A parish church is a building, usually of roughly rectangular outline and containing a range of furnishings and fittings appropriate to its use for...
St George's medieval chapel 120m south of York Castle
York
A medieval chapel is a building, usually rectangular, containing a range of furnishings and fittings appropriate for Christian worship in the pre-...
Gatepiers And Gates To York Goods Station
York
Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.
St Mary's Abbey precinct walls
York
Medieval defences defining the precinct boundary to the north and west sides of St Mary's Abbey, York.
War Memorial
Bishopthorpe
War Memorial, 1921, designed by Brierley and Rutherford, in Portland stone. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Dryad sculpture, University of York
Heslington
Public sculpture (including plinth) entitled ‘Dryad’, 1983-1984 by Austin Wright.
Leeman Road District First World War Memorial
York
The Leeman Road District war memorial, unveiled in 1925, is listed at Grade II, for the following principal reasons: Design: as a well-executed...
Historic York through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of York
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
York
York Castle and Prison, York, 1926
York
Clifford's Tower, York, 1953
York
York Minster, York, 1926
York
York Minster and the city, York, 1953
York
Terry's Chocolate Factory and environs, York, 1926
York
York Racecourse, Terry's Chocolate Factory and environs, York, 1972
York
The York Racecourse County Stand and Grand Stand and Terry's Chocolate Factory (Bishopthorpe Works), York, 1947
York
The York Racecourse Count Stand and Grand Stand, York, 1947
York
The Henry Richardson and Co Chemical Manure Works on Skeldergate Bridge, York, 1953
York
The Henry Richardson and Co Chemical Manure Works on Skeldergate Bridge, York, 1953
Historic England Archive images of York
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of York's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
York
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Looking north along The Shambles, with people standing in the street
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
York
Date created: 1966 - 1974
The Chemistry Department water tower at the University of York, viewed from the south east at night
Eric de Mare
York
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior detail view of the Elm Bank Hotel in York showing a decorative overmantle by George Walton.
John Laing Collection
York
Date created: 29 Jun 1955
The walls of a sugar silo under construction at Poppleton Sugar Beet Factory site
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
York
Date created: 29 Jun 1923
A general view looking along the city wall on the west side of Station Road, towards Lendal Bridge and York Minster, with a young boy walking across...
Alfred Newton and Sons
York
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING THE POSTERN TOWER AND PART OF LENDAL BRIDGE IN YORK
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
York
Date created: 1910 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS RIVER AND BRIDGE
Margaret Tomlinson Collection
York
Date created: 1960
A view from the south along Clifford Street showing the Law Courts (Magistrates Court) on the left of the foreground
Walter Scott
York
Date created: 28 May 1931
A view looking north-east across St Helen's Square towards St Helen's Church
Eric de Mare
York
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of the Red House in Duncombe Place in York looking towards the corner of the Theatre Royal and the church.
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
York
Date created: 29 Jun 1893
A view looking south-east from Lendal Bridge, with a small motor boat travelling along the river
Walter Scott
York
Date created: 1930
Looking down a street in York with the Black Swan Hotel on the right hand side
Stories about heritage in York
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about York.
10 Historic Places to Explore in York
Mentions York, Multangular Tower and Wall Attached to South East, St Marys Abbey Remains Church
Explore the historic sites of York including York Minster, Shambles, the city walls, and Clifford's Tower.
10 Lesser Known Places Linked to King Henry VIII
Mentions York, The Kings Manor, St Mary's Abbey
Discover the lesser-known historic sites linked to Henry VIII, including Whitehall Palace, Windsor Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, and Eltham Palace, London.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions York, Cliffords Tower, York Castle: motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle (
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
7 Places Connected to Witchcraft in England
Mentions York, Castle Museum, the Female Prison
Discover the places associated with witchcraft in England including Colchester Castle, Mother Shipton's Cave, Pendle Hill and York Castle Prison.
English High Street Architecture Through the Ages
Mentions York, 9, Shambles
Explore how the architecture of the English high street has evolved over the centuries.
Ghost Signs: Spooky Remains of a Hidden Past
Mentions York, Foss Bridge House
Once you’re on the look out for ghost signs, you’ll find they are frequently hidden in plain sight.
Traces of the Vikings in England
Mentions York
Explore the archaeological traces and standing remains that tell us about Viking life and and culture in England.
A Brief History of Community Centres in England
Mentions The Folk Hall
Community centres emerged in the late 19th century through a variety of social movements.
Mentions York
In this episode join Dr Suzannah Lipscomb to learn about the 13 monks from York who set up Fountains Abbey over 1000 years ago and an atmospheric...
Fountains Abbey and a Jewish cemetery in Cornwall
In this episode join Dr Suzannah Lipscomb to learn about the 13 monks from York who set up Fountains Abbey over 1000 years ago and an atmospheric Jewish cemetery in Falmouth. The 100 places featured in this series have been nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of judges. Together they help tell England’s fascinating history. Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places is a Historic England podcast, sponsored by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical ecclesiastical.com
Mentions York
Anne Lister, who lived between 1791 and 1840, is sometimes described as ‘the first modern lesbian’.
Reading Anne Lister's Diaries with Sarah Waters
Anne Lister, who lived between 1791 and 1840, is sometimes described as ‘the first modern lesbian’. Recorded in 2016, author Sarah Waters looks at the diary that reveals Lister's many sexual encounters.
Mentions York
In 2022, York City Football Club moved from Bootham Crescent to a new, out-of-town stadium, the LNER Community Stadium.
Memories of Bootham Crescent: Part 7
In 2022, York City Football Club moved from Bootham Crescent to a new, out-of-town stadium, the LNER Community Stadium.
Historic England Uses Cutting Edge Technology at York Minster
Mentions York
Historic England and York Minster have joined forces to showcase some of the cutting-edge technology available to heritage sites facing disaster.
New Roof and Repairs for Medieval Upminster Tithe Barn
Mentions York
A 12 month project is underway to save the 15th century Upminster Tithe Barn in partnership with National Highways and the London Borough of Havering.
Great Yarmouth Heritage Linkworker Wins Heritage Social Prescribing Award 2024
Mentions York
The Historic England-funded social prescribing pilot project has won the first-ever Award for Best Heritage Social Prescribing Project.
Extent of Heritage and Cultural Property Crime in England Revealed
Mentions York
New research funded by Historic England identifies the range of active and emerging threats to the historic environment.
Historic England Awards a Grant of £260,692 for Urgent Repairs to Barnstaple Guildhall
Mentions York
The funding will enable Barnstaple Town Council to begin urgent repairs to the exterior stonework, render, windows, and roof to ensure the Guildhall...
Public Asked to Help Hunt Ghost Signs This Halloween
Mentions York
Historic England is inviting the public to share images and information of ghost signs across England on a new online map.
Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022
Mentions York
As 2022 draws to a close, Historic England highlights gems added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) over the last 12 months.
11 Remarkable Historic Pubs Given Protection
Mentions York
A project to save rare historic pub interiors sees 11 remarkable pubs being newly listed, having their listing upgraded or list entry updated.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
York Minster, York, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
York Minster floodlit at night. The south transept was constructed in circa 1225-45.
York Minster, York, York
York Minster, York, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
York Minster was founded on the site of a Roman fortress in 627. It is also known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter.
York Minster, York, York
York City Walls and Bootham Bar, York, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Medieval towns were surrounded by walls with gates to allow people in and out.
York City Walls and Bootham Bar, York, York
York Citizens War Memorial, Leeman Road, York
Period: World War One (1914 - 1919)
The City War Memorial was put up in 1924 in the War Memorial Park. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
York Citizens War Memorial, Leeman Road, York
Trinity Lane, York, York
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Houses along Trinity Lane in York date from between circa 1500 and circa 1750. The buildings seen here date from the latter end of this time scale.
Trinity Lane, York, York
The Roman Bath Public House, St Sampsons Square, York
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
This public house was built in 1929-31, to designs by B Wilson. It includes parts of a Roman bathhouse in the cellar.
The Roman Bath Public House, St Sampsons Square, York
The Retreat Hospital, Heslington Road, York
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This building was built as a mental hospital (lunatic asylum). It was built in 1793-97 by John Bevans of London for The Society of Friends (Quakers).
The Retreat Hospital, Heslington Road, York
The Norman House, Church Passage, York
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
These are the ruins of a house built in the late 1100s. It is the earliest known medieval house in York.
The Norman House, Church Passage, York
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
Yorkshire
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East Riding of Yorkshire
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