A campaign to ‘save King’s Manor’ has attracted hundreds of supporters.
Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition urging the University of York not to withdraw from the historic building.
It was launched by Constance Halstead, a PhD student at the university.
King’s Manor has been part of the university since it was founded in 1963. It is home to the university’s centre for medieval studies, centre for eighteenth century studies and the department of archaeology, as well as lecture halls, event venues, teaching rooms, study rooms and a newly refurbished library.
But due to “substantial running costs, conservation costs and accessibility concerns” the university is going to leave the medieval building. The affected departments will be rehoused at the Heslington campus.
Many, though, are unhappy about the decision. Constance writes: “The future of York’s King’s Manor is under threat. This historic building has been a cornerstone of the University of York for over fifty years.
“We argue that the proposed changes will have a detrimental impact on the site of King’s Manor and the future of its academic communities.
“King’s Manor is currently a key part of the University which facilitates public access to the building and encourages public and academic engagement with its historical significance. The lively dynamic of students and academics at King’s Manor animates the building.
“This community makes King’s Manor a vibrant location for debate and discussion both within and beyond the university. Regular talks, conferences, and other events attract local, national, and international visitors.”
She adds: “Instead of this unnecessary and ill-thought-out proposal, the Medieval and Eighteenth Century Centres should be at the heart of any plans for King’s Manor’s future.”
The celebrated lesbian diarist Anne Lister, whose life was dramatised by Sally Wainwright in Gentleman Jack starring Suranne Jones, was educated at King’s Manor in 1805.
Constance writes: “Withdrawing the centres for medieval and eighteenth century studies to the university’s main campus is a short sighted and insular act which would diminish the local and global impact of the university.
“This closure would reduce the centres’ capacity for outreach and engagement, decrease the visibility of the University of York within the city. It would close down important conversations and research about the diversity of York’s history including LGBTQIA+ figures like Anne Lister.”
‘Please take this seriously’
Comments by signers of the petition include these:
I understand the Uni needing to make difficult decisions in the climate, but the focus seems to be entirely on cost savings to the detriment if all else – I am concerned that the nature and shape of the Uni will be irrevocably changed if this approach continues
This is a valuable educational resource and its location in the centre of the city is perfect for the subject taught. Don’t close King’s Manor!
This a heritage building full of extraordinary history that supports the amazing history of Anne Lister, whose diaries amounting to 5 million words, have been declared by UNESCO as something to be protected. This manor is part of that history of her life and writings, and while York university has been so wonderful in naming a college after Lister, this needs to be preserved. It could make money for the university if investors are found and it is turned into a place for a historical tour – which could include Anne Lister and Eliza Raine’s time at this place. This is so important to society and to LGBTQIA history. Please take this seriously
I used to attend educational events held at King’s Manor by the university when I was in the sixth form at Queen Anne’s York. It’s a beautiful house and must be kept safe for the people of York and the university history department has an important role to play in this.
The University of York told YorkMix: “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.”