The Treasurer's House

 

You will find it in the city centre, behind the York Minster, where there used to be the Roman city. This house dates from 1091, when it was built for the rich Treasurer of the York Monster to live in, not only to show his status, but also to entertain and accomode the important visitors to the Minster.

This first Treasurer's house disappeared, and in 1547 the Reformation saw its end. The property passed through various hands during the XVIIIth century, and in the XIXth century the house was divided so that more than one family could live there.

 

Frank Green bought a half of the house in 1897 and is one of the most important owners of the property. He made important and original restaurations that now are part of the history of the Treasurer's House. An unusual thing about him is that he placed metal studs on the floor to ensure that the staff returned furniture to correct position!

But in 1930 the house was given to National Trust because of the importance of the value of itself and its furniture, so Frank Green retired to Somerset and the Treasurer's House was opened to the public.

It's not a normal house. The Treasurer's House is one of the most haunted places in York because Sir George Aislabie, one the house's owners, was killed in a duel over the honor of one of his guests and is said to have haunted the rooms for more than 300 years.

The Treasurer's House

 

 


The most famous ghost story tells us that in 1953, Harry Martindale, a plumber, was installing a new heating system in the Cellar's of the Treasurer's House when he suddenly heard a mysterious sound. It was like a horn sound, but anyway he continued working. But the noise kept on sounding, and it seemed to be closer and closer.

But after a while, an enormous cart horse emerged through the cellar's wall, followed by some men dressed like Roman soldiers, with their helmets and swords. But the most strange thing is that Harry could only see them from their knees to their heads!

The Roman legion


Then, the roman legion began to walk, and as they reached the centre of the room they emerged into an exacvated area so that the plumber could find out that they were walking on the old Roman road.

Not many people have seen the Roman soldiers, but there are some descriptions made by the few witnesses.

In almost every room of the house you enter there's a guide standing there who will nicely tell you the ghost story which owns that room. And if you ever get tired of listening to such scaring stories you can have a quiet rest in the beautiful tea room, placed in the house's basement, or go for a walk through the still gardens. Whatever you want, but don't disturb the spirits...!