Guy Bowyer, Chief Executive
@yorkconservationtrust

York Conservation Trust are custodian of some of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in York. Founded by Dr John Bowes Morrell in 1945, he and his brother Cuthbert Morrell had been purchasing historic buildings for years previously, saving them from redevelopment, conserving and rehabilitating them. Early properties included Wealden Hall (now Chinese Laundry) and 45 Goodramgate (now La Piazza Antica), and Sir Thomas Herbert’s House.

In 1976, under the guidance of William Bowes Morrell, the property company became a charity. Today, York Conservation Trust is a non-revolving building preservation trust. Our properties are let to commercial and residential tenants, with all rental income directly fed back into the maintenance, preservation and enhancement of our buildings.

We have three charitable objectives:

  1. To provide for the conservation and preservation for the public benefit of buildings of significant historic interest, architectural or constructional merit in York and North Yorkshire.
  2. To promote public knowledge and enjoyment of those places
  3. To advance education and skills in the conservation of buildings.

We are now 80 years old as a company, and in 2026 we will be celebrating 50 years as a charity.

DUTY
The Trust owns 70 historic buildings in and around York, 56 of which are listed. Having recently undertaken a full portfolio review of all the buildings in our care, and in 2024 we committed £17m to a 10-year strategic plan for their maintenance and repair, making sure all buildings are in full use, securing improved income for a sustainable future for the Trust. But we are concerned about the future of heritage buildings as a whole; alongside a busy decade of conservation activity, we will be seeking partners to support promotion of enjoyment of historic buildings and education in heritage crafts skills, to secure the continued conservation of historic buildings.

PEOPLE
In 1981, William Bowes Morrell quoted Thucydides, “for it is people and not walls that make a City”. The Trust has continued its founders’ interest and investment in heritage, education and the arts, which is driven not simply by a wish to preserve York’s history, but by a desire to improve the lives of its people. Our commitment to repairing the estate will ensure our buildings can be comfortably lived in and worked from for a long time. And we acknowledge the importance of place, and celebrate how buildings can hold valuable memories.

PLACE
Whilst many of our buildings are iconic in their own way and continue to play a key role in York life – for instance York Theatre Royal, De Grey Rooms, and Bootham Lodge – others house some of York’s best loved independent businesses and play a big part in the York street scene. Goodramgate, for example, has a strong independent vibe, and businesses like Nox, Chinese Laundry, Earworm Records, La Piazza Antica, and Lily Vine all contribute to that. When we market a commercial premises, we try not to accept offers from businesses that compete directly with existing indies in our buildings. We also love that St Anthony’s Garden on Peasholme Green is an important space to so many people, and we want to look at different ways that new visitors can enjoy the space.

yorkconservationtrust.org