York’s most historic buildings open to public for free

Herbert House, 77 Walmgate and 60 Goodramgate are some of the city’s most well-preserved structures.

They were opened as part of York Conservation Trust’s 50th anniversary, in partnership with York Unlocked, on Saturday (May 9).

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The historic timber-framed buildings each tell a story about York’s rich heritage and the enduring craftmanship of centuries gone by.

Queues outside 77 Walmgate on the open day for York Conservation Trust’s 50th anniversary (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking about this, a representative for York Conservation Trust said: “The aim of the open day was to raise awareness, encourage public enjoyment and share knowledge about the careful conservation these buildings require to survive for future generations.”

Below are descriptions of the buildings, provided by The Trust.

Outside Herbert House today – whose lower floor is occupied by York Gin (Image: Newsquest)

77 Walmgate

A medieval hall and adjoined 15th-century cross-wing complex, this Grade II* Listed building is one of only two surviving buildings of its kind in the street.

It went on to serve as a lodging house in the 1800s, when Walmgate was the poorest parish in York.

The site was extensively restored by architects Brierley & Rutherford in 1935-36 and is still a home today.

The Trust explained: “A modern rear extension has been added in a way that allows the historic building to function well today, while keeping its character at the forefront.”

Herbert House

Dating in part back to 1545, the building which was home to generations of the Herbert family, still stands strong today in Pavement and Lady Peckett’s Yard.

The breath-taking fireplace, which warmed generations of the Herbert family (Image: Newsquest)

The Herbert family were linen merchants and prominent figures – four of whom were Lord Mayors of York.

The Trust added: “Lady Peckett’s Yard was named after Alice Peckett, wife of John Peckett, Lord Mayor in 1701.

“She lived at the site, and is reputed to haunt the adjacent Golden Fleece pub.”

A heritage craft session was held at Herbert House for the open day (Image: Newsquest)

An ongoing study by the Trust is exploring how the building can be repaired to its former glory and reused in the modern world.

60 Goodramgate

The building is part of, Lady Row, one of the oldest surviving rows of timber-framed homes in the UK today.

Lady Row dates back to 1316 and has been the subject of centuries of repairs, commercial use and extensions.

A surviving piece from the former occupiers of 60 Goodramgate (Image: Newsquest)

The Trust added: “Over the years it has been used by gunsmiths, watchmakers and jewellers, including Catherine Bates, one of York’s few known female gunmakers, who lived and worked here from 1844 until around 1870.

“A small fire broke out in the upstairs living quarters in 1888 which became part of the building’s story and helped shape later repairs and changes you can still spot today.”

Conservation work in 2021 uncovered historic painted walls and finishes, which had been hidden for generations.

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