Opposition to university leaving historic manor

King's Manor in York was originally built around 1270

More than 1,000 people have signed an online petition which has called for the University of York to reverse its decision to vacate an historic building.

The Grade I-listed King's Manor, which has been part of the university estate since 1963, was used for history and archaeology teaching.

The university said the substantial costs to run and conserve the building, as well as accessibility concerns, have forced it to move the departments to its main Heslington campus.

Constance Halstead, a PhD student at York who launched the petition, said that the decision threatened education and the building's future.

'Lively dynamic'

King's Manor had limited access to the public from Monday to Saturday and was also a venue for conferences and events.

Originally the abbot's house for St Mary's Abbey, the building was a seat of government during the Tudor period, a residence in the 18th Century and a girls' boarding school until 1922.

Writing on the petition's website, Ms Halstead said: “King’s Manor is currently a key part of the university which facilitates public access to the building and encourages public and academic engagement. 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.”

The building's origins date back to medieval times

'Unfit for modern use'

The celebrated lesbian diarist Anne Lister, whose life was dramatised in the BBC drama Gentleman Jack, was educated at King’s Manor in 1805, when it was occupied by the Manor House School.

It was home to the Yorkshire School for the Blind until 1958.

Ms Halstead said the university's departure would "close down important conversations and research about the diversity of York’s history, including figures like Anne Lister".

The University of York said: “We fully understand the deep attachment many of us have to this beautiful and historic space, but sadly it is not possible to reconfigure King’s Manor so that it is fit for modern academic use.

“We are now focused on the future, including how we conserve and protect the building, as well as talking to staff and students about how we can support them in their new home on campus."

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