St Leonard’s hospital
St Leonard’s was the largest medieval hospital in England and cared for the ill and infirm of York. Originally founded as St Peter’s hospital in 936, it once consisted of …
St Mary’s Abbey walls
The walls along Marygate were built in 1266 as part of the defences for St Mary’s abbey, covering more than four hundred and fifty meters in total. The walls that stretch …
St Mary’s Tower
This tower is part of the defences that surrounded St Mary’s Abbey, rather than York’s main walls. The tower was built in the early 14th century but was badly damaged …
King’s Manor
Currently leased to the University of York, King’s Manor was built in 1270 as a residence for the Abbot of St Mary’s abbey. Some of the original stonework remains, but …
Anglian Tower
The so-called Anglian Tower, only excavated in 1969, is a small, square tower, built into the Roman fortress walls, with a simple arched doorway. Its origins are uncertain, and may …
St Mary’s Abbey
Originally dedicated to St Olave in 1055, this Benedictine abbey was re-established shortly after William I’s ‘harrowing of the north.’ It became one of the richest abbeys in the country, …
St Olave’s, Marygate
Within the walls of St Mary’s Abbey, this church is thought to have been founded by Earl Siward of Northumbria – best-known for his campaign against the Scots that led …
Hospitium
The Hospitium is a large stone and timber-framed building, once part of St Mary’s abbey. Its original use is unknown, but it may have been used as a storehouse, or …
King’s Manor Snickelway
A long snickelway runs along the side of King’s Manor, connecting the Museum Gardens with St Leonard’s Place.
Sarcophagi
There are a number of large stone coffins scattered around the Museum Gardens. Two rows of them can be found within the grounds of St Mary’s Abbey, laid out in …
Multangular Tower
The Roman Empire annexed Britain in 43AD. When the Romans arrived in York in 71AD a fortress was built to establish a stronghold in the north of England. It housed …
Cup and Ring Stone
An innocuous stone in York’s Museum Gardens bears what appears to be cup and ring markings. The origin of the stone is unknown, but cup and ring marks are a …