Grays Court, York facts for kids
Grays Court is a very old and important house in York, England. It's located inside the historic city walls, close to the famous York Minster. Part of the house dates back to 1080. It was originally built for the Treasurers of York Minster, who managed the church's money. This makes Grays Court one of the oldest homes in the United Kingdom that people have lived in continuously for centuries.
The house is so special that it's a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered a building of exceptional historical and architectural interest.
Contents
The Long History of Grays Court
Early Years and Royal Changes
Grays Court has a fascinating past. On May 26, 1547, the house was given to the Crown. The "Crown" refers to the ruling monarch, which at that time was King Edward VI. The last Treasurer of York Minster, William Cliffe, then became a church leader in Chester.
After this, the house was given to Edward Seymour, who was the Duke of Somerset. King Edward VI, the son of King Henry VIII, gave him the house in 1547.
The Sterne Family and a Royal Connection
In the mid-1700s, a part of the house called the Sterne Room was built. This was for Jaques Sterne. He was a church official at the Minster and the uncle of a famous writer named Laurence Sterne.
Inside the Sterne Room, there's a special marble plaque on the fireplace. It shows Augusta, who was the wife of Frederick, Prince of Wales. She was also the mother of King George III.
The Gray Family and Community Work
The house became known as "Gray's Court" when William and Faith Gray moved in during 1788. Faith Gray loved to write in her diary, and her writings tell us a lot about life in the house.
Faith Gray was also very active in helping her community. She worked with others, like Catharine Cappe, to start a school for girls who didn't have much money. She also helped improve the Grey Coat School and started a "Friendly Society." These societies helped people save money and support each other in tough times. Faith Gray passed away at Grays Court in 1826.
A Gift to the City and Family Writers
Later, in 1878, Edwin Gray, who was the Lord Mayor of York, gave a special gift to the city. He donated a 300-meter (about 984 feet) section of the York city walls that bordered Grays Court.
Edwin Gray's wife, Almyra Gray, wrote a book about her family's history in the house. It was called Papers and diaries of a York family 1764–1839. This book shares many details about the Gray family. Almyra died at Grays Court in 1939.
Edwin Gray also had a brother named Alan Gray (1855-1935), who became a well-known composer. Alan grew up in Grays Court.
Grays Court Today
Since 2005, Grays Court has been privately owned. Today, it operates as a beautiful hotel, allowing visitors to experience a piece of York's rich history.
