York Minster

St William's College

The origins of St William’s College date back to the 15th century. King Henry VI first licensed a proposed college in 1457, interrupted by politics and battles of the Roses a community of 23 fellows was established under a renewed license granted by King Edward 1V in 1461 and building commenced in 1465. St William, William Fitzherbert, is York’s native saint and great grandson of William the Conqueror.

Over the centuries the building has been an ecclesiastical lodging, a private house – including a period in the ownership of the Earls of Carlisle, the celebrated builders of Castle Howard – and letting rooms, undergoing several developments and rebuilds. In 1902 the College returned to the York Diocesan Trust undergoing major restoration and conversion resulting in today’s layout, held in trust under the Dean and Chapter of York.