The King's Manor, York
The King's Manor, located in the heart of York, on Exhibition Square, is a historically rich Grade I listed building that currently forms part of the University of York's campus. The history of this site stretches back to the eleventh century, though the oldest extant parts of the building date from the fifteenth century. Originally, King's Manor served as the residence for the abbots of Saint Mary's Abbey, York.
After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII, King's Manor was repurposed to house the Council of the North, a body established to govern the northern regions of England. It fulfilled this role until the Council was disbanded in 1641. Subsequently, from 1667 to 1688, it became the official residence of the Governor of York. During the Glorious Revolution in 1688, the building played a dramatic role in English history. It was seized from Sir John Reresby, the then-Governor who remained loyal to James II, by forces loyal to William of Orange led by Thomas Osborne, Earl of Danby.
Following the upheaval of the Glorious Revolution, King's Manor was leased to private tenants for over a century. In the nineteenth century, it found a new purpose as the premises expanded to accommodate the Yorkshire School for the Blind, which occupied the building until 1958. The departure of the Blind School marked another chapter for the Manor, as it was then acquired by the York City Council.
In 1963, the council leased King's Manor to the University of York. Since then, it has been an integral part of the university, housing various academic departments and providing a picturesque and historically evocative setting for education and research. This storied building not only serves as a link to the rich medieval and early modern history of York but also continues to be a vibrant part of its educational landscape.
After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII, King's Manor was repurposed to house the Council of the North, a body established to govern the northern regions of England. It fulfilled this role until the Council was disbanded in 1641. Subsequently, from 1667 to 1688, it became the official residence of the Governor of York. During the Glorious Revolution in 1688, the building played a dramatic role in English history. It was seized from Sir John Reresby, the then-Governor who remained loyal to James II, by forces loyal to William of Orange led by Thomas Osborne, Earl of Danby.
Following the upheaval of the Glorious Revolution, King's Manor was leased to private tenants for over a century. In the nineteenth century, it found a new purpose as the premises expanded to accommodate the Yorkshire School for the Blind, which occupied the building until 1958. The departure of the Blind School marked another chapter for the Manor, as it was then acquired by the York City Council.
In 1963, the council leased King's Manor to the University of York. Since then, it has been an integral part of the university, housing various academic departments and providing a picturesque and historically evocative setting for education and research. This storied building not only serves as a link to the rich medieval and early modern history of York but also continues to be a vibrant part of its educational landscape.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
The King's Manor on Map
Sight Name: The King's Manor
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in York, England
Create Your Own Walk in York
Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
York's Historical Pubs Tour
Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York's Historical Architecture
Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country’s past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety – from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more – that makes the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
York's Old Town
A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England‘s history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York City Wall Tour
Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
York Introduction Walking Tour
Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and Jórvík, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles