The Guildhall

https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/17420502.york-guildhall-set-16-5m-overhaul/

The Guildhall is situated in the centre of York and is a grade 1 building which has been used for York council meetings, but is also used for events. Built in the 15th century atop the site of an earlier ‘common hall’ it features a committee room, a council chamber and a large main hall with 10 wooden pillars and a vaulted ceiling.

Historic Events

The Hall now leased to the university of York has been host to many events throughout its rich history.

The building was badly damaged and burned by German bombs during WWII during the “Beadeker Raid” on the 29th April 1942. The stone walls of the building escaped total destruction and now form the frame of the reconstructed hall. A single tree trunk was used for each new oak pillar, the originals coming from the royal Forest of Galtres. The inner room survived the raid intact, with panelled walls, masons’ marks and two hidden stairways.

The Guildhall was also used during the English Civil War in 1647 to count out £200,000 before Parliamentarians gave it to the Scots in payment for the ransom of King Charles I during the Civil War

The hall has been used as a court of justice, including the trial of Margaret Clitherow who was sentenced to death by crushing for refusing to plea on charges of harbouring catholic priests in 1586.

Underneath the guildhall lies a small path down to the river Ouse named Common Hall Lane, It was thought that this was main access for bringing building stone by the Romans. Thus, the lane predates the guildhall and was covered during the construction of the guildhall.

https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/20081161.air-damage-german-bombs-york-80-years-ago/
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/19922290.apprentices-help-restore-redevelop-yorks-historic-guildhall/

Restoration Efforts

Work began in 2019 to restore the Guildhall with work finished in 2022. It is now eased to the York Science Park (a subsidiary of the University of York) to offer office space and support for entrepreneurs and up-starts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEaY2FVrcbo

The renovations incorporate modern elements into the historic core of the Guildhall, including:

  • High quality office space

  • Spaces for community Use

  • A Café and Riverside Restaurant

  • Improved access for local residents

Improvements have also been made to:

  • The stability of the building

  • Water damage protection

  • General upkeep and cleaning