Writing on the wall as future of lawyer’s rooms pondered

A series of rooms in one of York’s most historic properties had been the home of Gilbert Gray QC, a charismatic and formidable advocate who was involved in high-profile cases such as including defending the Black Panther, Donald Neilson.

But since his death at the age of 82 in April, National Trust staff at Treasurer’s House have been pondering what to do with the six rooms that the eminent lawyer occupied.

The rooms are now being opened to visitors, and the public are being asked to come up with ideas for how they should be used by chalking up suggestions on the blank walls.

House manager Charlotte Pickup said: “This is an amazing opportunity for a house like this and we want the public to play a part in the decisions we make.

“Because the rooms are currently quite empty, they really are like a blank canvas so we‘re encouraging our visitors to explore and be creative.”

The National Trust property – which is situated in the shadow of York Minster – was built in 1419 as a home for the treasurer of the cathedral.

It was handed over to the trust in 1930 by the previous owner, Frank Green, who gave strict instructions for how the property should be presented.