Located on the N side of the River Ouse, the 15th c. magnesian limestone guildhall is now approached from Coney Street through a passage leading into St Helen's Square.
Although the outer walls of the building remained largely intact, most of the interior fittings and roof were destroyed during an air raid during World War II.
As the seat of civic government and centre for festive occasions, York's common hall was probably the venue for most performances by touring entertainers before the mayor and city officials before 1642.
Open to the public at stated times. Now known as the Guildhall, it houses the Council Chamber, Committee Rooms and the Chief Executive's department of the City of York Council.
By 1256 First guildhall mentioned in a charter.
1445 Agreement by the city council and the guild of St Christopher to rebuild the guildhall, with a chamber at the W end, a cellar under the E end, a pantry and a buttery. The guild's chapel was opened nearby by 1448.
1549 City council took over the common hall property after St Christopher's Guild was stripped of its assets.
ca. 1725 Screens passage gallery at the E end removed. The guild of St Christopher's chapel, subsequently an alehouse known as the Cross Keys, was demolished to make way for the Mansion House.
1760 Hall repaired and glass windows put up in place of louvres.
later 19th c. 14 stained glass windows installed depicting events in the history of York.
29 April 1942 Almost destroyed by incendiary bombs during the Baedeker Raid on historic English cities awarded 3 stars in Karl Baedeker's tourist guides. The shell of the building remained although the roof was destroyed.
1960 Faithfully restored according to the original plan and reopened.
REED York 1
