King's Manor

Description

The Kings Manor is situated in the heart of York and is one of York's most attractive and historic buildings. A delight not to be missed.

King's Manor was originally built to house the abbots of St Mary’s Abbey. The Abbot's house probably occupied the site since the eleventh century, but the earliest remains date from the fifteenth century. When the abbey was dissolved in 1539, Henry VII instructed that it be the seat of the Council of the North. It performed this role until the Council was abolished in 1641. Following the Civil War, the building was hired out to private tenants until the nineteenth century, when it was taken over and expanded by the Yorkshire School for the Blind.

On the departure of the Blind School in 1958, the Manor was acquired by York City Council, who leased it to the University in 1963. The University later moved to the Heslington Campus, but still maintains King's Manor for its Department of Archeology, Centre for Medieval Studies, and Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies.

Alongside its academic credentials, the King’s Manor offers a couple of beautiful courtyards open to the public and the King’s Manor Refectory Café. So, feel free to stop for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. Located in the City Centre next to the Art Gallery the King’s Manor Refectory Café is a hidden gem not to be missed. There is a variety of sandwiches, snacks, delicious soups, a freshly prepared salad bar and speciality coffees.