Treasurer’s House

About

Treasurer’s House, tucked behind York Minster, is one of the city’s most remarkable historic residences, layered with nearly a thousand years of history. Originally built in the 12th century for the Treasurer of York Minster, it served as a grand residence for entertaining dignitaries until the role was abolished during the Reformation. The house was extensively rebuilt in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, gaining its elegant symmetrical façade and hosting King James I in 1617. Over time it passed through many hands, eventually falling into decline before being rescued in the late 19th century by wealthy industrialist Frank Green. Green meticulously restored the property, redesigning its interiors to reflect different historical periods and filling it with his collection of fine furniture and art. In 1930 he gifted the house and its contents to the National Trust, making it the first property given to the charity complete with its collection. Today, visitors can explore its atmospheric rooms, tranquil gardens, and even hear tales of Roman soldiers said to haunt its cellars, making Treasurer’s House a unique blend of heritage, imagination, and living history.

York United Kingdom

Location

Treasurer’s House is located in Minster Yard, York, with the postcode YO1 7JL, positioned directly behind York Minster in the historic city centre. This Grade I listed National Trust property is renowned for its richly decorated interiors and its award-winning gardens that offer peaceful views of the Minster’s intricate architecture. The house is conveniently surrounded by several key York attractions including York Minster itself, the medieval city walls, the Yorkshire Museum Gardens, and St Mary’s Abbey ruins. Visitors often enjoy the tranquil garden spaces and the unique historic ambiance right at the heart of York’s vibrant cultural quarter.