Work to bring the historic Grade I listed St William’s College back into active use will begin in June 2026, marking an important new chapter for one of York’s most significant historic buildings.

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 Plan sets out a long‑term vision to protect York Minster’s exceptional heritage, manage essential change carefully, and ensure that the Minster Precinct—centred on the iconic cathedral—continues to serve as a living, welcoming and sustainable place at the heart of the city.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct, said:

“The great antiquity, scale and historical significance of St William’s College creates a delicate balancing act as we seek to protect, restore and bring this extraordinary building back into use. Its Grade I listing, reserved for buildings of exceptional architectural or historic interest, means that we have to work sensitively to ensure the building’s unique character is preserved, whilst working to our strategic ambitions to reduce our carbon footprint and create spaces for the needs of today’s visitors, worshippers, and our workforce.

“Working with Caroe Architecture and Simpsons of York, we will build on the success of the Neighbourhood Plan, including the award‑winning Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management and the retrofit of 1 Deangate, to give another of York’s historic treasures an appropriate C21st renaissance.”

St William’s College closed in 2014 to allow essential reroofing works to take place. The Chapter of York, York Minster’s governing body and the sole trustee of the St William’s College Trust, subsequently secured planning permission and listed building consent through the policies of the Neighbourhood Plan for a programme of significant but carefully considered alterations to enable the building to meet the needs of the 21st century.

Once complete, the building will house the offices of the Chapter of York and provide event and conferencing facilities. 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.

The project is especially timely as this year York Minster is marking the 800th anniversary of William fitzHerbert being declared a saint. William was widely venerated in the city and later became known as York’s patron saint. St William’s College stands as a powerful reminder of his enduring significance within the religious life of medieval York.

Following the English Reformation and the suppression of the veneration of saints, the building passed into private ownership before coming into the care of the Chapter of York in the early 20th century.

The restoration to St William’s College is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2027.

For more updates, please see: https://yorkminster.org/discover/behind-the-scenes/restoring-st-williams-college/