St Williams College, Medieval college building in York, England
St Williams College is a medieval building located on College Street in York, featuring a ground floor of ashlar stone and upper levels with timber-frame construction. The structure combines solid stonework at the base with lighter wooden frameworks above, typical of buildings from this period.
The college was founded in 1460 by George Neville and the Earl of Warwick, originally housing twenty-three priests and a provost near York Minster. The Province of York took over the property in 1902 and has shaped its use ever since.
The entrance features medieval stone carvings depicting Saint Christopher and the Virgin and Child, reflecting the religious art traditions of the founding era. These sculptures show how deeply spiritual life was woven into the building's original purpose.
The building now functions as a venue for events and has limited public access since it continues to serve as an active meeting place. It is best to check in advance whether a visit is possible and how to reach the site.
The first floor contains a preserved 17th-century Bishop's Chamber with original architectural elements located next to the great hall. This private space reveals how the leading clergy members once lived at the site.
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