![Saint Helen's Church and Square, York](/img/gd_attr/31047.jpg)
Saint Helen's Church and Square, York
Saint Helen's Church in York, a Grade II* listed building, boasts a rich history that spans several centuries. Dating back to the 14th century, this parish church in the Church of England experienced a significant period of redundancy in 1551, during which it was partially demolished. Despite these challenges, the church was restored and brought back into service.
Between 1857 and 1858, architect W H Dykes led an extensive reconstruction, which included the rebuilding of the north, south, and east walls, replacement of the church roof, and installation of open seating in place of traditional pews. The chancel was notably rebuilt and extended, improving its structure significantly. Furthermore, advancements such as gas lighting were added to enhance the church’s ambiance.
Saint Helen's Square, an integral part of York's city center, holds historical significance that traces back to the Roman era when it was the site of Eboracum's southwestern gate. Originally part of Saint Helen's Church graveyard, the area was transformed into a public square after the church received new land for a graveyard in 1745, and the old graveyard was paved over.
By the 18th century, Saint Helen's Square had developed into a bustling hub with the York Tavern, established in 1770, serving as a major stagecoach departure point to London. The square also hosted Terry’s shop from 1818, which later expanded to include a restaurant until its closure in 1980. Today, the square is known for its vibrant activities including the annual Christmas tree lighting and various public demonstrations.
The square is surrounded by significant streets and buildings. Notable structures include the Mansion House, the York Guildhall visible through a gateway, and historically important buildings housing entities like Yorkshire Insurance Company and York County Savings Bank. The square's historical and architectural value is further highlighted by several listed buildings such as the former Terry's building and Bettys tea rooms housed in the structures built in 1929.
Together, Saint Helen's Church and Square encapsulate a blend of historical reverence and contemporary vitality, making them key landmarks in York’s cultural and community landscape.
Between 1857 and 1858, architect W H Dykes led an extensive reconstruction, which included the rebuilding of the north, south, and east walls, replacement of the church roof, and installation of open seating in place of traditional pews. The chancel was notably rebuilt and extended, improving its structure significantly. Furthermore, advancements such as gas lighting were added to enhance the church’s ambiance.
Saint Helen's Square, an integral part of York's city center, holds historical significance that traces back to the Roman era when it was the site of Eboracum's southwestern gate. Originally part of Saint Helen's Church graveyard, the area was transformed into a public square after the church received new land for a graveyard in 1745, and the old graveyard was paved over.
By the 18th century, Saint Helen's Square had developed into a bustling hub with the York Tavern, established in 1770, serving as a major stagecoach departure point to London. The square also hosted Terry’s shop from 1818, which later expanded to include a restaurant until its closure in 1980. Today, the square is known for its vibrant activities including the annual Christmas tree lighting and various public demonstrations.
The square is surrounded by significant streets and buildings. Notable structures include the Mansion House, the York Guildhall visible through a gateway, and historically important buildings housing entities like Yorkshire Insurance Company and York County Savings Bank. The square's historical and architectural value is further highlighted by several listed buildings such as the former Terry's building and Bettys tea rooms housed in the structures built in 1929.
Together, Saint Helen's Church and Square encapsulate a blend of historical reverence and contemporary vitality, making them key landmarks in York’s cultural and community landscape.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Saint Helen's Church and Square on Map
Sight Name: Saint Helen's Church and Square
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in York, England
Create Your Own Walk in York
Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
York Introduction Walking Tour
Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and Jórvík, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
York's Historical Architecture
Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country’s past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety – from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more – that makes the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
York City Wall Tour
Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
York's Historical Pubs Tour
Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York's Old Town
A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England‘s history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles