History of York

Georgian York was no longer a city of truly national importance.  But while the king and court had moved away, the county set moved in.  In the 18th century, York developed into the social hub of the north, magnet to the wealthy classes who came to see shows, dance and go to the races.

Some of York’s finest buildings were put up at this time, many designed by John Carr, the city’s most famous architect.

As the social scene developed so York began to grow as a cultural centre; artists such as Stubbs and Mercier and writers such Laurence Sterne lived in the city.

Georgian City Plan

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