Fairfax House

Fairfax House in Castlegate can be dated back to the 1750s when it
was under the ownership of Joseph Marsh. However, it is better
known as the home of Charles Gregory, the last Viscount of Fairfax,
who moved from London to York in the late 1750s. After buying the
house he set about remodelling it for his daughter Anne.

By using the best architects and craftsmen he created a magnificent
home. But over the following centuries this fine example of Georgian
craftsmanship was neglected and misused. It finally became a club
and dancehall when it was taken over by St George`s Hall Cinema
Company in 1919. This company went into receivership in the late
1960s and ownership passed to York City Council.

Fifteen years later, the Council sold the property to York Civic
Trust who, at great cost,restored the building to it`s former glory.
Eminent Yorkshire architect Francis Johnson conducted the
restoration.

The house has been exquisitely furnished with items which were
bequeathed by York Civic Trust by Noel Terry, the great grandson of
Joseph Terry, founder of the world famous confectionery business.