Candlelight tours of historic house bring the past to life

The tours were first started in last year’s Illuminating York Festival and have been re-introduced for only three days this week.

The director at Fairfax House, Hannah Phillip, said: “The house completely changes its mood after dark and it is a very different place.

“There is absolutely no electric lighting, everything is done by candlelight.

“It is very atmospheric and the tours take visitors around the house explaining what life was like after dark.”

Fairfax House was built by Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax in 1762 to provide a winter home for his family during York’s winter social season of events, balls and assemblies.

In 1919, it was transformed into one of York’s best-known places of entertainment, St George’s Cinema and Dancehall, but after 50 years fell into disuse and disrepair.

The York Civic Trust stepped in to restore it to its former glory in 1982 and re-opened the building to the public in 1984.

The candlelit tours take place today, Thursday and Saturday at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 and are available on 01904 655543.