Fairfax House was originally built between 1759 and 1763 as the magnificent townhouse of the Hon. Ann Fairfax and her father, Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax. Over the centuries, the house passed through many hands – serving as a private residence for figures such as Mary Thornton, William Danby, Peregrine Wentworth and Sir John Lister Kaye, before becoming a venue for art exhibitions, a gentlemen’s club, and the headquarters of The Friendly Society.
In the early 20th century, the building underwent a dramatic transformation when it was converted into a cinema and dance hall. Renamed St George’s Cinema, the conversion involved extensive structural changes, including the removal of kitchens, laundry rooms, and servant quarters to make way for a 1,000-seat auditorium. Thankfully, much of the original decorative detail – such as the stunning stucco ceilings – was preserved, with ornate woodwork boxed in rather than destroyed.
By the 1970s, the building was owned by York City Council and sublet as a dance studio. In 1980, with the house at risk of further decline, York Civic Trust stepped in to save and restore it.
The restoration, led by architect Francis Johnson FRIBA, was a monumental four-year project. From laying a concrete raft beneath the building to devoting 20,000 hours to carefully cleaning the intricate plasterwork, the project restored Fairfax House to its former Georgian glory. At a cost of £750,000 (1980), the house was transformed into a public museum and opened by the Duchess of Kent on 31 October 1984.
York Conservation Trust purchased Fairfax House in 2008 as part of its mission to ensure that York’s historic buildings have a resilient future through their preservation and enhancement. The support of the Conservation Trust, one of the leading Building Preservation Trust’s in UK, is central to the long-term success and development of Fairfax House to meet the needs of present and future generations.
As proud custodians of Fairfax House, York Civic Trust preserves and shares one of the city’s finest examples of Georgian architecture and domestic life. This beautifully restored townhouse, once home to Ann Fairfax and her father Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax, offers a vivid glimpse into eighteenth-century York.
Fairfax House plays a central role in York Civic Trust’s mission to celebrate and protect the city’s rich heritage. Through imaginative exhibitions, lively events, and engaging interpretation, the team brings history to life for over 22,000 visitors each year – helping to ensure that York’s past continues to inspire future generations.
Volunteering and job vacancies at Fairfax House
For just a little more than the cost of general admission, you can gain access to an exclusive programme of events, experiences and discounts – and support Fairfax House whilst doing so.
For over 30 years, Friends of Fairfax House has worked to support the museum and ensure its preservation for future generations. Over the years, they have made grants totalling some £330,000 which have helped to restore furniture and paintings, care for the fine collection of clocks, and support new purchases for the collection.
Membership offers you:
For the price of just one visit, your ticket will give you 12 months’ general admission to Fairfax House. Tickets are valid for a full year from the date of your first visit and they can be used as many times as you like.
Friends Membership is perfect for history lovers and all those who want to support Fairfax House!
Click below to join online, or you can join at reception to Fairfax House.
