The future of a Grade I listed building in York is uncertain after the University of York revealed it was pulling out.
King’s Manor, parts of which date back to the 15th century, has been leased to the university since it opened in 1963.
It is home to the department of archaeology and the centres for both medieval studies and eighteenth-century studies.
However, the university has now announced it is moving out. It plans to bring the departments based at King’s Manor onto its Heslington campus.
In a statement, the university said: “It has become increasingly clear that substantial running costs, conservation costs and accessibility concerns makes it very difficult for us to continue using King’s Manor in the way that we have in the past.
“It is a space that does not meet the future needs of our entire community and we must address these challenges responsibly.
“This is also part of a wider plan for our campus, as we look to share our quality buildings more with each other, whilst also repurposing unsuitable ones.
“It is not possible to reconfigure the Grade I Listed King’s Manor building so that it is fit for modern academic use.”
King’s Manor – Timeline
- 1483-1502 – built as the abbot’s house of the Benedictine abbey of St Mary
- 1539 – with the dissolution of the monasteries, King Henry VIII instructed it become the home of the Council of the North
- 1641 – Council of the North abolished
- 1667 – residence of the governor of the City of York
- 1688 – leased to Alderman Robert Waller and divided up into dwellings, workshops and warehouses
- 1723 – leased to Sir Thomas Robinson of Newby, in whose family it remained until the early 19th century
- 1835-1958 – home to the Yorkshire School for the Blind
- 1958 – acquired by York City Council
- 1963 – leased to the University of York
Source: Heritage Gateway
The university plans to leave the site, found off Exhibition Square, by September 2025. But no decision has been made about what will happen to King’s Manor when it goes.
“We understand that King’s Manor is really significant to our local and national heritage. It will remain an important part of the university and as a scholarly resource,” the statement continues.
“The university currently retains the lease and we are talking to our landlord (City of York Council) and heritage organisations to conserve and protect this beautiful, historic space.
“We will share updates about King’s Manor future as soon as we can.”
In meetings, members of the University Executive Board (UEB) are said to have put forward a preference for leasing King’s Manor to “heritage tenants”.
In an email to staff and post-graduate students, Duncan Petrie, dean of arts and humanities, said “we fully understand the deep attachment many of us have to this beautiful and historic space”.
He says the university is looking to move the departments to Berrick Saul and Heslington Hall, adding: “This is all part of a wider plan for our campus, as we look to share our quality buildings more with each other, whilst also repurposing unsuitable ones.”
Horrible Histories backlash
The decision has dismayed many, not least Greg Jenner, the historical consultant of the Horrible Histories books and TV shows.
Greg, who also presents the BBC history podcast You’re Dead To Me, posted on X: “It breaks my heart what’s happening in the university sector, which is at financial breaking point.
“I absolutely loved studying at King’s Manor during my BA & MA at the University of York. This sucks!”
One academic replied: “I’m currently writing my MA dissertation there and it’s a true haven. The bells chiming on the hour. The solitude of the courtyard. It’s the living dream of academic growth.”
Another former student added: “Very sad news! I loved having seminars in King’s Manor and it’s library was my favourite place to study. Nice cafe there as well. Big loss for the university.”
A University of York spokesperson said: “We have made the difficult decision to change how we use King’s Manor, moving teaching and research to campus to join our other Departments.
“There are substantial running and conservation costs, and accessibility is a major concern, meaning King’s Manor is a space that does not meet the needs of our entire community.
“We fully understand the deep attachment many of us have to this beautiful and historic space, but sadly it is not possible to reconfigure this Grade I listed building so that it is fit for modern academic use.”
They said the university were talking to “heritage organisations to find a sustainable future to conserve and protect King’s Manor, including how we best facilitate ongoing research and academic engagement with King’s Manor.
“It is too early to report on these conversations.”