Thomas Atkinson's House, York
Thomas Atkinson, a distinguished 18th-century English architect, is perhaps best known for his Gothic Revival redesign of Bishopthorpe Palace in York. However, beyond his professional achievements, little is known about Atkinson's personal life. One of the few remaining insights into his private world is his residence on Andrewgate in York, which he built around 1780.
The house on Andrewgate serves not just as a personal residence but as a reflection of Atkinson's architectural ethos. Built when he was establishing his practice, this house remains a standing testament to his influence and style. Located in the heart of York, the residence exemplifies the period's architectural characteristics and Atkinson's preferences.
Atkinson's conversion to Roman Catholicism significantly shaped his professional path, earning him numerous commissions from the Yorkshire Catholic gentry. Noteworthy among these is the design of a new chapel for the Bar Convent in York. The chapel featured a concealed dome hidden beneath a slate roof, a strategic design to keep the building unnoticeable. Furthermore, Atkinson ingeniously integrated eight different escape routes into the chapel's design, providing worshippers a means of escape in case of an attack.
Today, Thomas Atkinson's house on Andrewgate stands as a cultural and historical artifact, offering one of the few glimpses into the life of a man who shaped the architectural heritage of Yorkshire. His contributions go beyond the buildings he created, encompassing thoughtful designs that considered both aesthetics and the safety of the building's occupants. The house not only symbolizes Atkinson's architectural legacy but also enriches the historical fabric of York.
The house on Andrewgate serves not just as a personal residence but as a reflection of Atkinson's architectural ethos. Built when he was establishing his practice, this house remains a standing testament to his influence and style. Located in the heart of York, the residence exemplifies the period's architectural characteristics and Atkinson's preferences.
Atkinson's conversion to Roman Catholicism significantly shaped his professional path, earning him numerous commissions from the Yorkshire Catholic gentry. Noteworthy among these is the design of a new chapel for the Bar Convent in York. The chapel featured a concealed dome hidden beneath a slate roof, a strategic design to keep the building unnoticeable. Furthermore, Atkinson ingeniously integrated eight different escape routes into the chapel's design, providing worshippers a means of escape in case of an attack.
Today, Thomas Atkinson's house on Andrewgate stands as a cultural and historical artifact, offering one of the few glimpses into the life of a man who shaped the architectural heritage of Yorkshire. His contributions go beyond the buildings he created, encompassing thoughtful designs that considered both aesthetics and the safety of the building's occupants. The house not only symbolizes Atkinson's architectural legacy but also enriches the historical fabric of York.
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.
Thomas Atkinson's House on Map
Sight Name: Thomas Atkinson's House
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 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
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 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 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'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