York walks: 2004

The Guildhall in its original form was built between 1446 and 1459. It was destroyed during an air raid in 1942. The building we now see is a faithful copy of the original, which was officially opened in 1960.

The buildings alongside the main hall, which are more easily visible from the opposite riverbank (shown on photos below) were a late Victorian addition by E G Mawbey.

For a year or two, York's (original) Guildhall had enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest in the country, after London's Guildhall was destroyed in 1940.

You emerge from the Guildhall, along the passageway at the side of the Mansion House, into the very attractive St Helen's Square. This area is usually busy with buskers and shoppers, so you don't tend to notice how beautiful it is. Pictured here early one Sunday morning, almost deserted.

The Guildhall is maybe best viewed from the opposite riverbank, on a summer's evening, when the red boats are moored in front of its glowing facade.

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Nearby, the Riverside, off Coney Street and Spurriergate.