Heslington Hall

Heslington Hall is a country house, now part of the University of York, originally built between 1565 and 1568 for Sir Thomas Eynns. It was extensively rebuilt in the 19th century, between 1852 and 1854, by P.C. Hardwick for Yarburgh Yarburgh, with later additions and alterations. The interior of approximately 1903 was designed by W. Brierley. The house is constructed of red brick in English bond, with sandstone ashlar dressings and some Magnesian limestone ashlar blocks visible on the rear elevation, covered by a plain tile roof.

The main block is two stories high with a basement and attics, and has nine bays, flanked by single-bay wings and a further section with six first-floor windows. A flight of steps leads to the central entrance, which is set within a porch replicating the original design. The entrance features a round-arched doorway with a keyed arch, flanked by pairs of fluted Corinthian columns supporting a frieze and triangular pediment with finials. Double-glazed doors are set within a four-centred arch with a moulded surround. Most windows are mullion and transom windows, or mullion windows, with cavetto-moulded elements in ashlar surrounds. The 2nd and 8th bays have canted first-floor windows with five-light, two-story mullion windows with four levels of transoms. The building features first and second-floor bands and a low parapet punctuated by three gables, the central one displaying a coat of arms. The wings have a plinth and entrances in four-centred surrounds, with mullion and transom windows throughout. The central gables incorporate a clock and sundial. The roof is finished with ashlar coping, ball finials to the gables and gable ends, and mainly clusters of star-shaped stacks. Cast-iron rainwater heads and fall-pipes are also present.

Inside, the hall features a two-story pendant boss ceiling. Several rooms contain panelling with strapwork decoration and moulded plaster ceilings by W. Brierley. An inscription on the gable of the south wing rear elevation reads: “ONE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH'S COUNCIL FOR THE NORTHERN PART OF ENGLAND AND SECRETARY AND KEEPER OF HER MAJESTY'S SEAL FOR THE SAID COUNCIL A.D. 1578 IT WAS RESTORED ALTERED AND ENLARGED BY YARBURGH YARBURGH ESQUIRE A.D. 1854.” A 1829 engraving by J.P. Neale demonstrates the Victorian restoration’s faithfulness to the original design. Sir Thomas Eynns served as Secretary to the King's Council in the Northern Parts.