The Norman House

The Norman House stands in the heart of York, just off Stonegate. It is a scheduled monument and Grade I listed building, dating from the late 12th century. Though now in ruins, it is recognised as York’s oldest surviving house. The structure was once a two-storey building made of Magnesian Limestone. The ground floor had three pillars supporting the upper storey, which likely formed an open hall. The house may have belonged to a Jewish financier before the massacre of York’s Jewish community in 1190. By 1376, it was owned by the prebend of Ampleforth and used by clergy linked to York Minster. The building was largely demolished by the 18th century, leaving only two walls. In 1939, these remains were uncovered during demolition work, revealing the bases of pillars and a garderobe shaft. Visitors can view the preserved walls in a small courtyard. The south-west wall still holds a double-arched Norman window. The south-east wall features a cupboard with grooves for doors and a shelf. A narrow passage between numbers 50 and 52 Stonegate leads to the site. The remains are of great historical interest, offering a glimpse into medieval life.