York Mansion House

Welcome to the York Mansion House, a 'shining jewel' of Georgian architecture and the physical embodiment of the city's 'civic pride.' Completed in 1732, this is the first purpose-built residence for a Lord Mayor ever constructed…

We begin in the 'entrance hall,' where the scale of the house's purpose is immediately apparent. The architecture here is designed to 'impress and intimidate,' with high ceilings and intricate plasterwork. …

We now enter the 'State Room,' the 'crown jewel' of the Mansion House. This is a space of 'unparalleled opulence,' designed for the grandest of balls and the most 'prestigious banquets.' The room is a masterclass in 'Georgian…

In a startling contrast to the 'gilded splendor' of the State Room, we turn our attention to a small, 'macabre artifact' found during a recent renovation of the house. Behind a panel near the Prince Regent’s portrait is the…

We now descend to the 'Dining Room,' where the 'art of the Georgian banquet' is vividly brought to life. The center of the room is dominated by a 'massive mahogany table,' polished to such a high sheen that it 'reflects the…

In the 'Saloon' or 'Drawing Room,' we encounter a portrait that tells a story of 'immense success and spectacular failure.' This is 'George Hudson,' a man who was Lord Mayor of York 'four times' but ended his life in 'disgrace…

Our sectional tour concludes in the 'Robing Room,' a space filled with the 'vibrant colors and heavy fabrics' of the 'official civic costumes.' Here, you can see the 'robes of the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, and the Sheriffs.'…

As our tour of the York Mansion House draws to a close, we stand once more in the 'shadow of the civic crest,' having moved through the 'sumptuous banquets' of the dining room and the 'hidden rituals' of Maggie Mortis. We have…