Yorkshire mansion houses get facelift

The outside of the historic building will be completely overhauled at a cost of £300,000 over the coming months.

Doncaster mayor Ros Jones, said: “The Mansion House is one of Doncaster’s most treasured assets and part of the town’s wonderful heritage.

“Packed with more than 260 years of history, visitors from all over the world call in to see its splendid architecture and find out about its fascinating stories.

“These essential improvement works will enhance its kerb appeal and protect the building and its precious contents.

“The new look should encourage more people along to the popular afternoon teas, dances, guided tours and events and see more people hiring the wonderful function rooms and using this iconic attraction as a wedding venue and for celebrations.”

Opened in 1749, Doncaster’s is one of four surviving civic Mansion Houses in the country alongside York, Bristol and London.

York’s Mansion House is also the subject of a renovation programme and as part of the project people are being asked to offer their memories of the building.

The York Oral History Society will collect the testimonies which will be used to inform displays about the building.

York Council deputy leader Keith Aspden said: “For nearly 300 years the Mansion House has hosted many significant events and welcomed many Lord Mayors and Sheriffs as well as visitors and residents.

“We are looking for people’s memories of the Mansion House to highlight all that has taken place in the historic building. All the memories will be collected and then shared to help people understand more about the building’s heritage.”

Anyone with memories or pictures of York’s Mansion House should call 01904 551027 or email [email protected].