Tuesday 26 May 2026

We are pleased to announce that work to restore the Grade I listed, St William’s College, will commence in early June.

The striking timber framed building is one of the finest surviving examples of a 15th‑century clerical college in England. Founded for the priests of St William’s chantry in 1456, it forms a significant part of York’s historic landscape and has a religious heritage closely intertwined with the life of York Minster.

The restoration and sensitive adaptation of St William’s College is a key milestone within York Minster’s Precinct Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in 2022. The project includes the introduction of level access, a new lift, and changes to the courtyard to improve accessibility. Alongside this, the scheme reflects the Minster’s wider commitment to sustainability, balancing the building’s fragile historic fabric with measures to support energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Keep an eye on this page as we bring you updates as the works progress through the year.