York House

York House is a large house built around 1775 for James Banks, who founded Wakefield’s first purpose-built theatre. It later served as the Wakefield and County Club, a gentleman’s club, until about 1950 and is now used as a hotel.

The building is a substantial square structure with two and a half storeys and principal facades facing north and west, each featuring five bays and classical-style central entrances. It is constructed of light-coloured red brick, showcasing finely gauged arches, triple keystones, and stone cills to recessed sash windows, some of which are original while others date from the early 19th century. The roof is hipped and covered with stone slate, featuring a moulded stone eaves cornice. Attached to the north-east is a two-storey kitchen wing, which has a ground-floor Venetian window and a lunette window above.

Inside, the woodwork is complete and of high quality, especially the doorcases. There are three elegant carved chimneypieces, one of which includes a panel with an original painting of a Chinese scene. The hall and landings are adorned with arches, and the staircase is relatively small. Most rooms feature deep plaster cornices, while one room contains later reproduction Adam-style decoration.