St William's College

137 - This splendid timbered building, built in 1461 in the shadow of the Minster, was originally a college for Minster priests.

It was much altered in the 16th and 17th centuries when it was divided up into apartments and let out. By the 19th century it had fallen on hard times and the wonderful medieval building housed a series of dreadful slum tenements.

It was rescued from total despair by Francis Green, who at the time owned the Treasurer's House just a few yards away. He later sold the building back to the city council for the same price as he had paid for it, enabling the council to begin restoration.

Now the building is restored to its former glory and as well as housing a popular restaurant, it is used for conferences, exhibitions and receptions.

(info from http://www.yorkpress.co.uk)

[Catherine Phillips]

Beautiful shot!

[M C]

What a gorgeous building!

[bkb in the city]

What a wonderful looking building

[Bob]

Excellent building. I especially like your commentary and history of your images.

[hanson]

We have been to the restaurant ---in the court-yard. When was it sold back to the council ?I'd like to thank you,Ian, for the shots of York, I'm not York bred, but have lived there since 1961 and know the City very well, now I'm seeing thing with a different eye.

[Ian Fisher]

@catherinep

Thank you Catherine, glad you like it!

[Ian Fisher]

@mimiducky

Thank you M C - it's pretty impressive inside as well!

[Ian Fisher]

@bkbinthecity

Thank you Brian - I'm sure to be back for some more views of this building during my project.

[Ian Fisher]

@bobhuegel

Thank you Bob - I must confess that I knew little about this building until I found the history notes on the local press website!

[Ian Fisher]

@collin

The sale to the council was in the 19th century. I'm pretty sure it doesn't belong to the council now, but so far I haven't managed to find out for certain who does own it, but I always thought it belonged to York Minster

[petaqui]

Fantastic view of an old building!

[Frida]

Fantastic building is't it? Can't quite place where it is right now but will google it soon :)

[Ian Fisher]

@petaqui

Thank you petaqui.

[Ian Fisher]

@frida

Thank you Frida - it's on College Street, which runs from Goodramgate towards the east end of the Minster.

[Louise]

I'm glad this building is being restored, it's looking great here.

[Ian Fisher]

@louisefrance

It's in pretty good condition inside and out

[Ruth Moucharafieh]

beautifully done!

[Ian Fisher]

@ruthmouch

Thank you Ruth - it is a fabulous building!

[bruni]

Oh what a history..glad that it's restored to it's former beauty..such a handsome building..(I don't even know if I can say that about a building) but I like the "fachwerk" style.

[Ian Fisher]

@bruni

Thank you Bruni - it is a wonderful building and a great credit to those involved in it's restoration.