Treasurer's House, York (must see)

National Trust - Treasurer's House, York, tucked just behind York Minster, is one of York’s most intriguing historic houses. Its appeal lies not only in its architecture and interiors but also in the extraordinary layers of history beneath and around it.

The foundations of the house sit on the remains of Roman York. Archaeological excavations beneath the basement have revealed part of the Roman road network, including the edge of a major road running through the fortress of Eboracum. Centuries later, the site became associated with the Treasurers of York Minster. The Treasurer was responsible for overseeing the Minster’s money and treasures and held a position of considerable importance.

The medieval house was substantially rebuilt in the sixteenth century and passed through the hands of several notable residents and owners. It was even associated with figures connected to the English Civil War and with prominent families in York. In the eighteenth century, the house was divided and occupied by a succession of wealthy tenants. Among the interesting residents connected with the property was the astronomer John Goodricke, who made important observations from York in the 1770s.

The building that visitors see today owes much to Frank Green, a wealthy Victorian industrialist who acquired the property in the late nineteenth century. Green remodelled it into an elaborate Edwardian townhouse, furnishing it with historic interiors and creating the distinctive character of the house. The work was largely complete by 1900, in time for a royal visit by the Prince of Wales and his family. Green eventually presented the house to the National Trust in 1930.

There is also a darker side to Treasurer’s House. It is famous for stories of Roman soldiers supposedly seen walking through the cellar walls. The most famous account came from heating engineer Harry Martindale, who claimed to have seen Roman soldiers and horses passing through the cellar. Excavations later confirmed that a Roman road and headquarters complex lay beneath the house, adding an intriguing archaeological twist to the story.