The Residence York
It’s grim up north, people often say. Theory roundly disproved in York. There’s not an angle here that is nothing short of angelic and as one of the UK’s most visited cities, it is hard to argue that it is nothing other than England’s finest places?
It has the wonderful York Minster, dominating the flat cityscape.
York Minster
York Minster is, in fact, one of the largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, renowned for its intricate medieval stained glass, impressive stonework, and vast vaulted ceilings.
Located in the heart of York, it has stood as a centre of Christian worship since the 7th century, with the current structure largely built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The Minster has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including a devastating fire in July 1984, which severely damaged the South Transept. The blaze, thought to have been sparked by a lightning strike, destroyed the roof and caused significant damage to the Rose Window.
However, a major restoration effort followed, showcasing the Minster’s resilience and the dedication of craftsmen and conservators.
Close by is The Shambles
The Shambles in York is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, renowned for its narrow, cobbled lanes and overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back to the 14th century. Originally home to the city’s butchers, the street takes its name from the word “shamel,” meaning stalls or benches where meat was once displayed and sold.
Although the butchers are long gone, hints of its past remain, such as the wide window ledges once used for displaying meat.
Today, the Shambles, like York Minster, is a bustling tourist destination filled with independent shops, cafés, and boutiques, offering everything from traditional sweets to handcrafted goods. Its quirky charm and historic atmosphere make it one of York’s most photographed and visited landmarks.
Bishopsgate Road, York
Leading out of the city is Bishopsgate Road, or “Bishy Road” as it is known locally. It is similar in feel to the High Street in Chiswick, where we featured our passive fire protection work at Chiswick Gate.
Like its London counterpart, it teems with independent businesses and feels well-heeled.
Keep walking or driving up Bishy Road and another delight awaits – The Residence, a simple name that belies the history and grandeur that awaits.
Beautiful location and building
Set off the road, to the right, opposite a cycle and walkway that leads you along the Ouse back to York city centre, The Residence is the former base of Terry’s – the historic York chocolatier, formerly known as “The Chocolate Works”.
Art deco with a Terry’s clock tower
It is York’s iconic confectionery site, located on Bishopthorpe Road and built in an elegant Art Deco style complete with a clock tower, between 1924 and 1926. It became famous as the birthplace of beloved products such as Terry’s Chocolate Orange and All Gold chocolates Once one of York’s largest employers, the factory closed in September 2005 after Kraft Foods moved production to continental Europe, ending over a century of chocolate-making tradition in the city Since then, the Grade II listed complex has undergone redevelopment: the main building now houses luxury apartments under the name “The Residence,” alongside commercial spaces and a care village, preserving its distinctive clock tower among other heritage features.
Here, under the watchful clock tower, Block Compliance carried out dual services – fire door surveys and fire compartmentation surveys., just as we did at three other York sites: Hudson Quarter and Westgate Apartments, both more central, near the city walls and York railway station.
Block Compliance Ltd have national passive fire protection coverage and you can contact us, informally or formally, on our contact page, email or via LinkedIn.
