Time Travel

THIS MONTH: MANSION HOUSE

This month we explore the beautiful York Mansion House, the first purpose-built mayoral home which is almost as old as ‘Great Britain’.

By History columnist, Mike Quarton.

Take a wander down any of York’s streets and you are sure to spot an abundance of ancient and interesting architecture; striking Tudor buildings, enclosed medieval shops - even a Roman fortified tower. Hundreds of thousands of us annually march down Coney street with our shopping bags, and as the street opens up into the bustling St Helen's square, we are greeted by the magnificent and beautiful Mansion House.

It is instantly recognisable with its four cream columns set within red brickwork and classical early Georgian facade. This rather suavelooking building is the home of the Lord Mayor of York. The foundation stone was laid in 1725 and the house resided in since 1732. To put that into context, the Kingdoms of England and Scotland had only united 18 years early to form Great

Britain; and in the North American colonies (no USA yet), the British and their native American allies were in conflict with the French and their allies for control over Nova Scotia and New England. Who built it? Despite all its grandeur, it cannot be said for certain who the architect was. What we do know, is why it was built, and like an episode of Grand Designs, how much they underbudgeted!

The citizens of York appointed their first Lord Mayor in 1213, and for hundreds of years, this title was usually passed between major landowners and the aristocracy. One of the requirements of being the Lord Mayor was to entertain dignitaries and royals in their own homes. The ability to throw a decent 'knees up' and get folk drunk still resonates in the city today - but in 1724, Lord Mayor Thomas Agar, a wool trader, decided either his gaff was not up to the job, or he did not fancy cleaning wine stains from the rugs! The need for a permanent house of residency for the Mayor of York to wow incoming guests and truly showcase the city became apparent. York was the first city to realise the importance of a mayoral home, something London did not achieve for another 20 years. Mansion House was restored in 1998 by York Civic Trust and received a further refurbishment in 2015 with money from the Heritage

Lottery fund, reopening in 2017. During these renovations, a number of items were found within the house and have been placed on display in the enticing name ‘The cabinet of curiosities’. Fortunately for us non-Lord Mayor folk, you don’t actually have to be sworn into office to take a look around! Even better for you guys reading this, being a York resident gets you 50% off entry and off the children’s little Lord Mayor trail (proof of address required). To find out more information about York Mansion House visit, www.mansionhouseyork.com.

We hear from our resident sports writer and York City F. C. fan, Simon Pattinson.

It's been yet another crazy month since we last spoke with all things York City. As I write this, we have just sacked David Webb as our manager. We won only one game with David Webb and as a manager, it felt like he was quite out of his depth. The football chairman, Glen Henderson, wanted better football and the displays have gone backwards and we look even closer to being relegated back to National League North.

Although it kicked off with such optimism, the season is starting to look very bleak. It is clear the players have no confidence in the management or the chairman, and that has been made clear by the fans too. The fact Henderson swore at supporters recently showed his inept attitude, and he is not up to the task of leading us into the future. Hopefully, the next time we speak, he will no longer be a part of this club and the process of a takeover grows closer and we put this sorry mess behind us.

Whoever takes over needs to listen to the fans, create togetherness and allow us to be able to simply compete in what is a challenging league to be in. I just hope the whole process won't be too late to save us from regional football once again, which looms ever prominently right now.

Most importantly the trust needs to step up and take ownership of

COLUMNIST Simon Pattinson

this situation. Do the right thing and correct the wrongdoings that got us in this mess in the first place. All York fans want is to have a normal week. It certainly feels too much to ask really. A new owner, and a new manager, who cares about the club and the future, are what is needed. Under John Askey, everything felt good. We knew where we stood and were behind him and the players. We were definitely overachieving this season before Askey was sacked, but I genuinely believe with a proper pre-season and being able to assess this side, his CV suggests he is, or now, was the man to help us long-term return to the football league. Some are against bringing him back but I, for one, would see it as a safe option.

Otherwise, some fans have mentioned Danny Cowley who, given his track record within non-league and in the football league too with Lincoln City, would make him an ideal candidate for City. Some may say he is out of reach, but considering jobs available at the moment are few and far between, it may be more of an option than you think. We can but only dream big if we can stay in this division. That right now has to be the key focus. I hope next time I speak with you there will be strides towards a better and bright future and no doubt a new manager. Fingers crossed.

Join The Sports Clubs

Thinking of joining a sports club? Want to give something different a try? Have a gander at some of our recommended clubs this month:

Chokdee

A specialist gym in Martial Arts, Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing helping people achieve their goals whether fitness, sport, or personal. For all ages and abilities, classes cover sessions such as Bootcamps, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling, and MMA. Visit www. chokdeeacademy.co.uk for more information.

The York Knavesmire Harriers

The York Knavesmire Harriers are a friendly running club providing training for competition and recreation. Being a member gives you access to free training nights as well as introduces you to competitive races across the region. For information, visit www. yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk.

Strictly Salsa

Learn how to Salsa dance in a warm and friendly atmosphere whilst making some new friends. For more information, please visit www.strictlysalsa.co.uk.

Celebrating Our Sports Stars

Brought to you by Active York, The York Sports Awards is set to make a return next month. Promising to be the biggest yet, this esteemed event will take place at York Racecourse on Thursday 20th April, and will honour those who have worked hard and dedicated themselves to local sports at all levels, from elite competition to grassroots, coaches, administrators, and volunteers.

Together with their partners City of York Council and York Sport and several local sponsors, this ceremony will be divided into three main categories, Senior Achievers Category, Active Achievers Category, and Special Contribution Category. There will be a total of 18 awards ready for nominees to bag, including two brand-new awards, the Sustainability Award, and the Diversity and Inclusivity Award. To be eligible for an award nomination, nominees must either train, play sports or live within City of York Council’s boundaries. For more information, please visit www.york.gov.uk/news/ article/1188/under-startersorders-for-the-2023-yorksports-awards.