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The Health Food Store was originally called Wylie, Barr & Ross and was managed by Laura E Haw. It first opened in 1938 at 8 Gillygate. It is believed to be the first health food store in York. It is first listed in the York Directories in 1939. Laura Haw married James Tarrant in 1950 , and they continued to run the shop together. After Laura's death , James Tarrant continued to run the shop until it closed in 1986. The store is listed in Trade Directories under various descriptions - a 'health food store', a 'vegetarian store' and a 'retail grocers'. It remained on Gillygate until c1956/1957, when it moved to 11 Davygate. It moved again to 1Blake Street in February 1968, taking over the premises previously occupied by W. Kettlestring, grocer & florist. The store closed in around August 1986. The premises was purchased by Mannion & Co., grocers. Mannion's were fruit and vegetable specialists, and the family had traded on York market for more than 70 years by 1986 (c1916). Mannion's still occupy the premises today, but it operates as an upmarket deli/café.

The Health and Housing Reform Association was set up in York to ensure 'the spread of knowledge regarding health and sanitation, and thus to improve the health condition in the houses of the public'. Amongst its membership was Oscar Rowntree, and it was supported by York's Medical Officer of Health. Members were due to pay an annual subscription, and a committee was appointed annually consisting of a Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman. Five members were to retire each year, but could stand for re-election.

The York Georgian Society was founded in 1939 to promote the preservation and care of Georgian buildings in and around York, while fostering the study and appreciation of them. It is the second oldest society outside London devoted to the Georgian era. The Society's remit extends beyond architecture and the crafts associated with building to include the arts, culture and society of the period from 1660, the year of George I's birth, to 1837, the year of William IV's death.

The Society succeeded in establishing the principle that York's rich heritage of Georgian architecture was worthy of protection and sympathetic maintenance. While no major Georgian buildings in York are now threatened with demolition, the Society is vigilant about matters such as the potential loss of interiors and fittings, the threat posed by ill-considered development, and the negative impact of inappropriate street paving and signage.

The Society organises an annual programme of summer visits to country houses and other Georgian buildings (for members and their guests), and a series of winter lectures (open to all but free to members). The Society's activities are recorded in an illustrated Annual Report distributed to members.

Formed in 1823 by 104 subscribing citizens. During 1828 the City Commissioners objected to the prices and returned briefly to oil lighting. In 1837 a rival company, York Union Gas Light Company was founded as competition but the two companies were amalgamated in 1844.
Amalgamated with York Union Gas Light Company in 1844 to become York United Gas Light Company.

Formed by a merger of the two competing local private gas companies. The inherited Monk Bridge gas generating site was extended in 1847 and the Hungate site sold in 1850. The works and supply areas were extended various times by Act of Parliament. There was tension between the private company and the Corporation who sought to buy it in 1871 (unsuccessfully) and attempted to block its expansion in Parliament in 1912. Control was transfered to the North-Eastern Gas board in 1948 when electricity and gas were nationalised.
Formed by merger of York Gas Light Company and York Union Gas Light Company in 1844.
Changed name to York Gas Company in 1912

The Society was founded in 1788 by a group of York women led by philanthropists Faith Gray and Catherine Cappe. The original purpose was to provide a safety net for girls offering sick benefits, pensions and grants for medical care for those leaving York's Grey Coat and Spinning Schools, which they also ran. It continued to accept members up until the introduction of the NHS in 1948. Membership could be extended to other working women through a rule allowing limited nomination by honorary members. In 1976, the Society was dissolved and the funds divided among the remaining members. The remaining members of the Society continued to meet annually until 1984. Moyra F Johnson served as secretary of the Society from the early 1970s. The Society's office was situated in St William's College, York.

York Fanteakwa Community Link shares fellowship and mutual support between the Fanteakwa district of Eastern Region in Ghana and communities in York, UK.

York Family Service Unit was part of the larger charity Family Service Units. It is not known when the York unit opened, but FSU had been operating throughout England and Scotland since 1948. The charity provided children's services, particuarly for a number of local authorities.

In April 2006 FSU collapsed due to financial issues, with services in England being taken over by the Family Welfare Association.

The first Educational Settlement in York was founded at 31 St Mary's, York, in 1909. It became known as the 'St Mary's Settlement'. It was based there until 1932. In 1933, the Settlement relocated to 128 Holgate Road and became known as the Holgate Hill Settlement. It remained at this premises until at least 1975. In 1924 the York Settlement was recognized by the Board of Education as "a responsible Body under the Board of Education Adult Education Regulations for the purpose of submitting formal classes and receiving grants on respect of them." In 1944 it was recognized by the Local Education Act and Local Education Authorities.
During their existence, the York Educational Settlements, particularly the one at St Mary's, receieved considerable financial support from the Rowntree family, with Arnold Rowntree being a particularly active and influential trustee

The York Settlement had relationships with several other groups in the city, particularly those also working to provide adult education. This included the Workers Educational Settlement (WEA)'s York Branch, who held meetings, classes and lectures at the Settlement's St Mary's premesis. In 1949-1950, the Settlement was affiliated with the York Film Society.
The York Settlement Community Players grew out of the St Mary's settlement and was equated with it until the YSCP became an independent group in 1922.
York Community Settlement Players (YSCP) and Workers Education Association (WEA), York branch.
See Also - Workers Educational Association (WEA) York Branch
See Also - York Settlement Community Players

Oversight and rationalisation of school-aged education was begun in York by the York School Board in 1889. The function was transferred to the council in 1902/3 when it was established as the new LEA (Local Education Authority). A provisional committee was established in January 1903, and the formal committee took over in July.

The first municipal secondary school (Queen Anne's School for Girls) was opened in 1910. Mill Mount (Girls) and Nunthorpe (Boys) were added in 1920. The 1902 Education Act provided for the funding and management of church schools by LEAs and improved resources and standardisation. A proportion of funds were provided centrally from the Board of Education in Whitehall, which advised, approved or suggested actions to be taken by LEAs.
Function received from York School Board (1889-1902). Supported by Secretary of Education.

The first entry of a coroner in York dates from 1229, and there were three in 1279 and the 1630s. Though appointed and salaried by the corporation, the coroner is an independant official, ultimately responsible to Crown and Lord Chancellor. In 2019 the office of the City of York Coroner moved from York to Northallerton to co-locate with the services of the North Yorkshire Coroner. At present the two offices are still functionally separate.
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York Consumer Group was a membership-based campaign group fighting for the rights of York consumers. The group published a regular newsletter, as well as annual general meeting papers, and contributed to various campaigns including Crime Prevention Month. The exact dates of operation of this group are unknown, however it was known to be operating in the 1960s and 1970s.

The York Conservation Areas Advisory Panel was set up in May 1969 and is empowered to advise the Local Planning Authority, through its Planning Committees, on the effect various proposals referred to it by the planning department may have on the character or appearance of listed buildings and designated conservation areas. Although it is serviced by Council Officers, the Panel is not regarded as a Council Committee. Its decisions are advisory in nature and cannot be construed as legally binding on the Council or any other organisation.
Membership of the Panel consists of appropriately qualified professionals and individuals nominated by York Civic Trust, York Georgian Society, Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society, Royal Institute of British Architects, Yorkshire Philosophical Society, York Guild of Building and two individuals nominated by City of York Council.

The Panel meets at regular intervals throughout the year and keeps minutes of those meetings.

York Collegiate School was a school for children in the city of York, in which members held shares. It's exact dates of operation are unknown, however it was certainly operating in the 1830s and 1840s.

York Civic Trust was founded in 1946 by four citizens of York who were worried about the potential loss of York's heritage in the post-war 'spirit of renewal.' They formed the Civic Trust with the intention of preserving York's historic buildings, and assisting with improvement schemes for the city's amenities. A fundamental aim was to work with the City Council in York and offer them ideas and assistance.

The Civic Trust periodically makes financial gifts to the city, and past projects have included restoring and gilding the gas lamps around York Minster, installing commemorative plaques in streets, purchasing pictures for the Art Gallery; repaving for St Helen's Square; purchasing new curtains for the Theatre Royal; and purchasing a new robe for the Lord Mayor, through to to a full restoration of the Mansion House (the home of the Lord Mayor of York).

The Trust is also recognised at a national level, and it's report advocating the establishment of conservation areas was directly incorporated into the Civic Amenities Act 1967.

In the mid-1960s York was chosen as one of four historic towns to study the issues of conservation. This report was later to be known as the Esher Report. The Civic Trust supported the City Council with a donation towards the fees involved in the study. The influence of that report was to bring huge benefits to the city and fully justified having participated in Lord Esher's Study.

Arguably the most important project undertaken by the Civic Trust was its restoration of Fairfax House, to provide a home for the furniture collection of Noel Terry. The house opened in 1984, and although sold by the Civic Trust to the York Conservation Trust in 2008, it continues to be one of York's important visitor attractions.

The Trust runs programmes of events, visits and lectures designed to enhance members' appreciation of the city and the nearby countryside. It also hosts a programme of education for younger residents and students.

The York City Rowing Club was founded in 1863 and continues today with a membership base of over 200.

The York City Mission was formed to promote knowledge of the Bible amongst the poorer classes of York, without any reference to particular denominations or the government of Christian churches. It also recommended sanitary improvements in the houses of poor families.

The mission employed its own staff to carry out the work, who were each assigned a district. Missionaries were responsible for reading the scriptures to people, engaging them in religious conversation, promoting observation of the Sabbath, and attending public worship. They were also responsible for handing out copies of the scriptures to the people in their areas.

The City Mission was administered by a committee, consisting of an equal number of members from the Established Church and of Dissenters. The mission also had a number of Examiners of Missionaries, consisting of an equal number of clergymen and dissenting ministers. The mission also recruited members who were willing to pay an annual subscription to support the work of the organisation.

The present club was formed in 1922 and prior to their election to Division Three North of the Football League in 1929 played in the Midland League. They remained in the Northern Section until 1958 when they became one of the original members of the Fourth Division. (During the Second World War when the League was suspended from1939 until 1946 the club operated in the various wartime competitions). Over the next 45 seasons (1958-2004) the club won promotion six times. In 1958/59 and 1964/65 they moved up to the third tier only to suffer immediate relegation. City again gained promotion in 1970/71 and in 1974 reached the Second Division (Championship) for the first and to date only time in their 91 year old history. In two seasons in the second tier of English football the club competed with Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest amongst others and in 1974/75 achieved their highest ever League placing when they finished 15th. The following campaign, however, they were relegated and by 1977 were back in the Fourth. In 1983/84 they won their first major honour when they finished runaway Fourth Division champions with 101 points becoming the first club in Football League history to reach three figures. City's last promotion success in the League was via the playoffs in 1992/93 when on the club's first ever visit to Wembley Stadium they beat Crewe Alexandra in a penalty shoot out. On the other side of the coin City suffered relegation six times and over the years had to make seven applications for re-election back to the League. In 2004 the club finished bottom of Division Three (League Two) and dropped down to the Conference bringing to an end 75 years membership of the Football League. During that time they had spent two seasons in the second tier and 16 in the third tier. In eight years in the Conference City reached the promotion play offs three times. In 2006/07 they lost at the semi-final stage and in 2009/10 went down to Oxford United in the final and then, on May 20th 2012, promotion back to the Football League was achieved when Luton Town were beaten 2-1 at Wembley. This latter game marked the club's 4th appearance at the national stadium in four years and completed a league and cup double that season. After four years back in the Football League, York dropped back into the Conference finishing in 24th place in League 2 in 2015/16. The following season City suffered a second successive relegation, after finishing in the final relegation place in the National League and will compete in regional non-league football in 2017/18 for the first time since 1929.

The committee was a joint committee with both councillors and staff representatives as members.

In 1974 York lost its status as a county borough and became a district council within North Yorkshire County Council.
Previously known as "the Mayor and Commonality of the City of York", it deveoped into the historical Corporation (see City of York Corporation (Unreformed). The corporation was reformed in 1835, became a district council with North Yorkshire County Council in 1974 and a unitary authority once more as the City of York Council in 1996.

The Committee was set up in 1914 by the Lord Mayor as part of a national scheme to support local people during the First World War. The Committee continued to provide support locally until 1935.

The York Choral Society was formed in 1833 to provide a more democratic group for music making as opposed to the York Musical Society. They were an amateur group consisting of around 300 members and performed at the Festival Concert Room on Museum Street, York. Practice meetings occurred weekly, and they performed four concerts per year. Members included the Archbishop of York and gentry of the city and neighbourhood. It continued until the end of the 19th century when around this time it merged with the York Musical Society.

A major report on services and policies for childcare and equal opportunities in the United Kingdom was published in 1988. The report highlighted the inadequacies in policies and policy co-ordination. Following its publication, a group of parents in York began to make a determined effort to bring the issues from the report into the public arena.

York Childcare Ltd was formed in 1990 out of this group, to provide childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. It is a non profit registered charity with the aim of providing quality childcare for families in York and is run by a committee of voluntary Trustees. The out of school management service manages clubs across the city providing breakfast, after school and holiday clubs for children aged 16 months - 12 years.

Instituted in 1837 as independent and non-partisan charitable trustees for the city's former municipal charities including many centuries-old private bequests or "gifts". In 1898, only 5 trustees were alive and political and religious views became involved in the appointment process. The Charity Commissioners raised the number to 18 to allow a balanced membership. In 1902 this was reduced back to 13, including for the first time 5 members of the corporation.
Municipal charities transferred from Lord Mayor and Corporation in 1837.

York Charity Cricket Cups have taken place since 1930, running almost continuously, with the exception of some years during World War II. The tournament was last played in 2014.

Reported to the York Board of Guardians until they were abolished by the Local Government Act 1929. Then became a sub-committee of the Public Assistance Committee, which inherited the functions of the Board of Guardians in 1929.

York Centre for Voluntary Service (known as York CVS) was incorporated on 30 March 1951 as York Council for Voluntary Service. It was then known as York Community Council Ltd (1983-1985) and York Council for Voluntary Services (2010-2013) before being renamed to its present configuration in 2013. It is a social action organisation; supporting and championing York's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to make positive change, challenge issues and grow new ideas for the future in order to strengthen communities.

The York Central Conservative Club was founded in 1881 in order to consolidate the party after the defeat of The Right Hon James Lowther at the General Election in 1880 who had represented the city in Parliament since 1865. For many years the club met at the Ebor Rooms, Coney Street. However, this became too cramped due to social requirements of numbers and in 1909, moved to the De Grey Rooms, St Leonard's Street where they added an extension onto the rear of the building in 1910. The club had over 500 members in 1933 and the De Grey Rooms were more appropriate due to the size. The club moved again from De Grey Rooms to Museum Street in March 1986 until their closure in 1991. The club finally closed in 1991 after a period of financial difficulty and the archives were subsequently transferred in 1994. There were also four ward Conservative clubs in the city. These clubs, along with the Central Conservative Club formed a valuable asset in party politics. In 1969, the club abolished the 'male only' member policy and allowed females to become members 80 years after the club's foundation. The club also actively took part in international billiard tournaments, including the Faber Shield Tournament (which it won in 1904), the Scruton Cup (which it won in 1975), and the Hylton Foster Billiards Tournament.

Established to preserve derelict cemetery as working cemetery containing historic structures and environmental habitat. The York Public Cemetery Company was formed in 1837 to provide better burial facilities for the citizens of York. From 1855 until the 1940s the cemetery expanded to its present size of 24 acres (97,000 m2) by buying all the adjacent land that was available. By the 1960s, with the cemetery nearly full, it became clear that it was no longer financially viable. With prospects of very little income to pay wages and cover the maintenance of the site, in June 1966 the company went into voluntary liquidation. When the process was completed in 1979, there was nothing of commercial value left, only the land containing over 28,000 graves, 17,000 monuments and two listed buildings in an advanced state of disrepair. The abandoned site devolved to the Crown. In June 1984 the roof of the chapel collapsed. This event led to the formation of York Cemetery Trust, a registered charity. Two and a half years later the Crown Commissioners sold York Cemetery to the Trust. On 13th February 1987, the Trust became the owners of the site.
Reopened York Cemetery in 1987. Function previously carried out by York Public Cemetery Company (1826-1966).

York Celebrations Choir was formed in the 1960s out of a desire to amalgamate York's many small and medium-sized choirs. The aim was to create a 'choir of large forces which would be able to undertake major choral works.' The plan was to have around 400 voices. After a series of meetings the choir was formed and the first concert took place on 7 November 1970 in York Minster. The choir became a major element of the York 1900th celebrations in 1971.

The choir took part in numerous concerts and had nine appearances on Yorkshire Television's Stars on Sunday programme. This led to formal recordings, and the release of three LPs.

The choir formally ceased to exist in 1976.

The York Castle prison (originally consisting of Clifford's tower) was the original county prison in york, outside of civic control. City felons were sent there from 1848. By the nineteenth century the prison buildings included the debtor's prison, male and female prisons. Many prisoners were kept at the prison awaiting trial at York assizes.
Reported to Keeper of York Castle.
See Also - York Castle Gaoler

The York Castle prison (originally consisting of Clifford's tower) was the original county prison in york, outside of civic control. City felons were sent there from 1848. By the nineteenth century the prison buildings included the debtor's prison, male and female prisons. Many prisoners were kept at the prison awaiting trial at York assizes.
See Also - York Castle Gaoler

The York Bibliographical Society was formed prior to 1987 as an organisation open to everyone who loves books and printing, as well as the history of printing in York. It holds a regular lecture series on these subjects which is open to members.

The York Association of Women Graduates was originally part of the British Federation of Women Graduates, but York members decided to become independent. This resolution was subsequently agreed and the York Association of Women Graduates (YAWG) was formed. YAWG ceased activity in September 2012 due to a dwindling membership.

The York Association of Voluntary Guides was founded by City of York Council in 1951, after York was chosen to host a series of events and festivals to coincide with the Festival of Britain. The team of volunteers was formed to show visitors to the city around, tell them about the history of the city and recommend other places to go to.

The association continues today and is now independent of City of York Council. It has a team of over 80 trained guides providing regular walking tours of the city and its historic buildings.

The York Association of the National Trust was founded in 1970. Intially called the York Centre of the National Trust, it became the York Association of the National Trust in 1999. The main objective of the association is to enable members to meet and spend time with people who have similar interests. The Association is affliated to the National Trust in England and Wales, however membership is open to anyone with an interest.

Within the first few years of operation, the Centre formed three sub-committees - the Walks Committee, Programme Committee (organising talks and day trips) and Projects Committee (managing fundraising social events). From the outset the centre included members from througout Yorkshire, but fairly shortly afterwards the members from areas furthest away from York began to form their own centres. The centre ran series of walks and talks for members, as well as holidays, fundraising events and other activities.

One of the founder members of the York Centre, Eva May Johnson, died in July 1992. Whilst she was a resident of Harrogate, she chose to leave a substantial legacy to the York Centre - over £715,000.

The association plans and delivers an annual programme of events for members, and activities are reported in a quarterly members' magazine. It operates as a 'not-for-profit' organisation, and any surplus funds at the end of each financial year are donated to National Trust properties in the area. The association also contributes to many special appeals by the National Trrst.
Affiliated with the National Trust in England and Wales

A subscription-based association which supported the prosecution of felons in York for minor crimes, in particular theft, burglary, criminal damage and fraud.

The original home for girls was situated in Skeldergate and accepted around 12-14 girls, the price being 6/- per week. A Matron, Mrs Shann, was once president of the Home.

Building work began on the Assembly Rooms in 1730 and was completed by 1735. However, they were first used in the summer of 1732 for Ebor Race week. The Assembly Rooms have since undergone alterations. For example, a new entrance front was designed by J. P. Pritchett in 1828. The Assembly Rooms were purchased by York Corporation in 1925.

York Arts Centre was opened in 1968 in a converted church in Micklegate, York. The building was owned by York Civic Trust, with University of York acting as landlord. The venue provided a space for artists and creatives in York to work, and showcase exhibitions and performances. The decision was taken in autumn 1999 to wind-up the business due to ongoing financial difficulties.

Founded in 1921.

Formed after the York Philosophical Society joined the Council for British Archaeology in 1971.
York Philosphical Society

YAA was established by 1960.

The York Trades Council was formed in 1890. The majority of York's Trade Unions were affiliated to the Council. By 1899 it consisted of 18 affiliated societies representing nearly 2000 members. It brought a coherence to the trade union movement in the city and was one of the main forces behind the rise in labour representation. Its activities included 'labour demonstrations, [and] running labour candidates at municipal school board and board of guardians elections'. The Council supported the General Strikes in the 1920s. The organisation still exists today as the York and District Trade Unions Council and is a branch of the national TUC.

The exact start date of the club is unknown although the records suggest c.1956. The club continued to operate with a membership base until c1968 when there are no further records available.

The Church Mission Society was founded in Aldersgate Street in the City of London on 12 April 1799. Most of the founders were members of the Clapham Sect, a group of activist evangelical Christians. They included Henry Thornton MP and William Wilberforce MP. The founders of CMS were committed to three great enterprises: abolition of the slave trade, social reform at home and world evangelisation.

Wilberforce was asked to be the first president of the Society but he declined due to his workload but took on the office of vice president. Thornton became the first treasurer. The Rev Josiah Pratt, curate of St John, Bedford Row (London) soon emerged in a proto-chief executive role.

The spiritual background to the emergence of CMS was the great outpouring of energy in Western Europe now called The Great Awakening. John Wesley, an Anglican priest and failed missionary, became a key player in the UK version of the story. Not all those influenced by the revival left the Anglican Church to become Methodists. One such was John Venn, the saintly rector of Clapham.

Members of the second and third generation following the revival saw many opportunities to consolidate its effects. Alongside the main Clapham agenda they sponsored Sunday Schools for evangelism and education, founded Bible Societies and much more.

The Reformation and the abolition of monasteries and religious orders left the Church of England without vehicles for mission, especially for outreach to the non-Christian world. This new membership society agreed to be loyal to the leadership of bishops and an Anglican pattern of liturgy, but not dominated by clergy and emphasised the role of laymen and women. Much of what we call the Anglican Communion today traces its origins to CMS work. However CMS today is not confined just to Anglicanism, both in terms of people it sends out in mission or ally agencies and projects around the world.

It was expected that Church of England clergy would quickly come forward to be missionaries. When this didn't materialise CMS turned towards mainland Europe and the earliest missionaries were German Lutherans. For over a century CMS enjoyed rich work relations with the Churches and seminaries of Western Europe. Sadly this was gradually eroded as the European superpowers vied with each other in the race for colonial expansion. Even so we can say the 20th-century quest for Christian unity began through the experience of mission.

Initially the Society had no designated offices. In 1813 it rented premises in Salisbury Square in the City of London and by the end of the 19th century a row of houses had become a large headquarters with a complex administration and numerous staff. In 1966 it moved to premises in Waterloo Road. In 2007 it moved to east Oxford to premises fitted to serving 21st century mission as part of a network of mission hubs all over the world.

The overseas mission work of CMS began in Sierra Leone in 1804 but spread rapidly to India, Canada, New Zealand and the area around the Mediterranean. Its main areas of work in Africa have been in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Rwanda and Sudan; in Asia, CMS's involvement has principally been in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China and Japan; and in the Middle East, it has worked in Palestine, Jordan, Iran and Egypt.

The chaplain on the First Fleet to Australia was sent at the urging of Wilberforce. The second was sent by CMS and is regarded as the Apostle to New Zealand where CMS Britain worked directly (1809–1914). Other work included Canada (1822–1930), with smaller missions in Abyssinia (1830–1842), Asia Minor (Smyrna) (1830–1877), Greece (1830–1875), Madagascar (1863–1874), Malta (1815–1843), Mauritius (1856–1929), Seychelles (1871–1894), South Africa (1840–1843), Turkey (1819–1821), Turkish Arabia (Baghdad, 1883–1919 and Mosul, 1900–1919), and the West Indies (1819–1861).

It is unknown exactly when the York and District branch of the Society was formed, however it was certainly in operation in 1982. The York and District branch closed in 2017.

The York and District Autistic Society was founded in 1987 at the instigation of parents of autistic children in the York area. The Society raised awareness of autism, and brought together families and medical professionals to review provision in York.

The Society campaigned locally, and held a charity screening of Rain Man in York in 1989.

The Society was eventually subsumed into the National Autistic Society in 1992, becoming part of their northern region.

York and District Animals' Hospital was a veterinary practice in York specialising in the care of animals. It's exact dates of operation are unknown, however it was operating in the 1930s.

YDAA was established in 1887.

The first adult schools were set up by Quakers, with members of the Rowntree family being part of the committee until the late 1960s. Early schools date back to the late 19th century with the York and District Adult School Union first being formed in 1903. They began by establishing schools in some of the newer housing areas of the city and so the number of adult schools rose from 4 to 13 and the number of pupils from 729 to 2648.
Society of Friends; Lord Mayor of York J.W. Rowntree; York Educational Settlement

YABA was established by 1927.

York Against The War is a branch of Stop the War Coalition and was established in October 2001 in response to the launch of military strikes on Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 Terror Attacks. The branch opposes military solutions of the problems of terrorism and promotes peaceful alternatives. It still maintains an online presence in the form of a blog on latest initiatives and campaigns.

York Adoption Society was registered with the Charities Commission on 23 September 1963, as a charity arranging the legal adoption of children in the York area. It continued until 16 January 1996, by which point it had ceased to exist.

The York Academic Trust was incorporated (as a company, limited by guarantee) in March 1956. A legally distinct entity, the Civic Trust transferred ownership and management of the institutes, and the property and funding held by the Civic Trust on the Academic Development Committee's behalf, to the new 'York Academic Trust'. A Governing Council was established from the key members of the former Academic Development Committee and this was chaired by Dean Milner-White and had as its secretary, John West-Taylor (later secretary to the York University Planning Committee and first Registrar of the University).

The York Academic Trust felt the time was right to consider another approach to the University Grants Committee (UGC) in December 1957, updating them on York's achievements to date and developing plans. In July 1958 an approach was made to the Chair of the UGC, Sir Keith Murray, via an intermediary. While Murray's response to the renewed proposal for a university at York was not wholly encouraging, the rapidity with which events were changing nationally, and the increasing pressure the UGC faced to expand university provision led to another informal approach and an invitation to Murray to visit York to discuss York's case for a university. Murray came to York in July 1959 and was shown the two institutes, and a possible site for the university at Heslington Hall (purchased by the Joseph Rowntree Social Service Trust in 1956) and further potential accommodation at King's Manor). Following a successful and encouraging visit the York University Promotion Committee was established in November 1959 (UOY/F/YUPC). A York deputation met with the UGC on 16 December 1959 and presented a formal memorandum to present the case for a University of York. The YUPC was informed of the success of its application for a university on 19 April 1960.

41 Club was formed in 1946 to provide a way for members of Round Table to continue their friendships after retirement from Round Table at the then obligatory age of 40.

Round Table was founded in March 1927 by Louis Marchesi. Marchesi was a young Rotarian in Norwich who became aware of the lack of opportunities for the young businessmen of the day to meet and prepare themselves for their responsibilities as senior businessmen in later years. He found himself surrounded by older men, so he started a club for younger men with a maximum age of 40 to give them the right environment to develop their professional and civic skills while assisting the local community, the nation and later the world as a whole.

Round Table was formed after being inspired by a speech by the then Prince of Wales who said 'The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times and, wherever possible, improve them.' Since that time Round Table has used the motto 'Adopt - Adapt - Improve'.

Originally once a Round Tabler reached 40 years of age he would retire from Round Table and would then become eligible to join 41 Club. In 1998 Round Table changed their retirement age to 45.

41 Club specialises in continuing the friendships made in Round Table. The philosophy of the club is very similar to that of Round Table, but it is often less 'active' and in many cases clubs meet less often. The Club's main purpose is to support Round Table and, if possible, participate in local community service initiatives or charity work. However the 'continued friendship' and 'fellowship' aspect is of great importance. Most clubs meet monthly, often in a public house, golf club or restaurant. Meetings are usually semi-formal with either an activity or a speaker to entertain.

To join 41 Club it was originally a requirement to have been a member of Round Table, however in 1972, the Club decided that prior-membership of a Round Table should no longer be a pre-requisite for entry, and instead that the only criterion should be those qualities which, at a younger age, would have been required for membership of Round table.

41 Club is managed by an elected National Board - consisting of a National President and nine officers with specific responsibilities. In addition there is a National Councillor elected by each of the 24 geographical regions in the country who represent the clubs. The National Councillors and the National Board form the 'National Council' of 41 Club.

There are around 800 41 Clubs in the UK and Eire with a total membership of over 17,000.

41 Club is also an international organisation with 21 countries affiliated to '41 International'. Each country sends representatives to the International AGM and a Half Yearly Meeting - both of which are hosted around the world.

The York branch of the 41 Club was one of the first to be founded in 1946, however the founder members did not apparently wish to be tied to the national rules, so the club did not join the national association which developed.

York 2000 was organised to protest against the building of an inner ring-road around the historic core of the city. It was formally constituted by an agreement dated 4th December 1971 and its purposes were stated to be to oppose the inner ring-road proposals of York City Council and '...to work with like-minded citizens of York and others for the proper examination of alternative solutions to the problems of traffic in York.' At the third AGM in 1975 the objects were amended to include the words '...and to co-operate with those in other places facing similar problems.'

It had been recognised since at least the 1930s that York could not accommodate increasing amounts of road traffic without major changes to its existing road system. The principal problems were the Medieval street plan with narrow streets and tight-radiused corners and the fact that all vehicles had to enter the historic core of the city to cross the river Ouse on one of the three bridges existing at that time. Early plans for a ring-road came to a halt on the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1948 an inner ring-road encircling the city was proposed; this plan was not carried out, at least in part because it would have entailed the demolition of all properties between the road and the city walls, an average distance of some 250 yards! However, its legacy was an unspoken belief that that the solution to York's traffic problems was an inner ring-road, running somewhere near to the city walls.

The City Engineer published a report in 1967 recommending the building of an inner ring-road. Acting on this report, the council engaged the firms of R Travis Morgan & Partners and Landscape Use Consultants to design the proposed new road. They reported in 1970 and the council adopted the report. The new road would avoid the historic core of the city but run through the Georgian and Victorian suburbs, requiring the demolition of many old buildings and blighting (in both the technical and ordinary senses of the word) many other premises and communities. Opposition was at first somewhat muted, since, to borrow a phrase from a slightly later period, it was believed that there was no alternative.

York had several conservation and amenity groups with interests in different aspects of the city's heritage. Members of those groups expressed concern about the plans, but no group felt able to take the lead in opposing them as a single issue. Indeed some groups had officially, albeit reluctantly, accepted the notion of an inner ring-road. York 2000 was organised by persons who were already members of amenity groups or who had interests in conservation. An ad hoc protest meeting in September 1971 by inhabitants of the Mount and Clementhorpe areas of York seems to have decided to organise more formally and York 2000 came into being as an unincorporated body formed by a written agreement dated 8th December 1971 to which there are 20 signatories. It grew to have over 9000 members at its peak.

York 2000 did not see itself simply as opposing the inner ring-road. It wanted to make a constructive contribution to the solution of York's traffic problems. From the beginning it sought, and acted on, professional advice as to how to proceed. Planning legislation required a public inquiry and York 2000 was advised that, of the several ways it might object to the proposals, its best option would be to lead evidence at the public inquiry that the council had not fully considered all the alternatives, in particular the active management of traffic. It engaged the firm of Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners as its planning consultants and Professor Alan Proudlove of Liverpool University to advise on traffic issues.

York 2000 raised funds from its membership fees and various activities. The membership fee was set low (10p) to encourage as many people as possible to join and to ensure that the organisation became a mass movement. Inter alia it published a York Cook Book and held an auction. It also received funding from the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Trust in respect of that part of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partner's work which could be published as a report.

In September 1972, before the public inquiry it held a conference, Planning, Participation and Protest, on the topic of how the public could become involved in traffic issues and the planning process. The conference attracted delegates from all parts of the UK.

The public inquiry took place in October 1972. Nathaniel Lichfield and Alan Proudlove gave evidence on behalf of York 2000. The Planning Inspector reported in favour of the inner ring-road but the Secretary of State called-in the report for further consideration. The Secretary of State did not announce his decision until 1975, but, in dismissing York council's application, he substantially upheld the case made on behalf of York 2000.

After the public inquiry closed but before the decision York 2000 produced a publication York 2000 People in Protest telling the story of the formation of the organisation and its work to date.

York 2000 continued its activities in calling for a ban on heavy lorries using the city's roads as a short-cut between North Lincolnshire and Teeside and their re-routeing via existing dual carriageways. It appears to have ceased to be active by the end of the 1970s, as evidenced by the minutes of the AGMs, but there is no evidence that it was formally wound-up.

Two people seem to dominate the history of York 2000: the chairman, David Cummin, and the secretary, Jean Wallace.

The York & District Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers was formed on 2 October 1960 by a small group of textile teachers and weavers. The aims of the guild are to promote the three crafts of weaving, spinning and dyeing. The guild covers an area stretching from Hull to Leeds and Harrogate and up to Teeside.

The guild holds an annual programme of events and publishes a quarterly journal for members.

YK Soul organised soul music events in York as a means of fundraising for local charities. YKSoul as an entity was born in 2002 when two York based Railwaymen and DJs Nick Beilby and Andy Bellwood decided to develop their love of soul music, and in particular Northern Soul, into a soul music collective raising funds for charities. The name was chosen to reflect the code YK of the former British Rail engine sheds in York. The first event in early 2002 was held at City Screen to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Demand for YKSoul events grew and in 2005 an All Dayer with over 30 DJs including some National names was held at Yorks' Moat House Hotel. Shortly after this event, Andy Bellwood decided to pursue other opportunities and Nick Beilby took the decision to refocus and reformat YKSoul. Well known local DJ Steve Bradley joined the team as did enthusiastic "soulies" Marie Mortimer and Angela Rennison. Simon Wragg also came on board as VJ ( Video Jockey) and brought a new and high tech dimension of film in still and video formats to the events. Something rarely seen elsewhere. A collective decision was made to support only local charities and over the next eight years with the support of many DJs and fans, more than £60000 was raised.In 2013, all members of YKSoul decided that it was time to have a rest from the demanding schedules of up to five events a year and feel very proud of a job well done. The final event was held in April 2014 at York Guildhall for the York Normandy Veterans. However, it is not the end as at least once a year Nick Beilby, Steve Bradley and Simon Wragg can be seen delivering a YKSoul event to their loyal supporters.

Christopher Wyvill was born in Edinburgh in 1740, the son of Edward Wyvill (died 1791), supervisor of excise there, by Christian Catherine, daughter of William Clifton of Edinburgh. Sir Christopher Wyvill, 3rd Baronet, of Constable Burton, was his great-great-grandfather.

Christopher Wyvill matriculated at Queens' College, Cambridge in 1756, obtaining an honorary degree of LL.B. in 1764. In 1774 he came in for the large landed estates of the family in Yorkshire and elsewhere, and the mansion at Constable Burton, the building of which he completed from his cousin, Sir Marmaduke's, designs. He had some years previously taken orders and been presented through his cousin's influence to the rectory of Black Notley in Essex, which he continued to hold and administer by means of a curate, down to 22 September 1806. Debarred from entering the House of Commons, Wyvill began to take a prominent part in county politics.

In 1779 Wyvill was appointed secretary of the Yorkshire Association, which had for its main objects to shorten the duration of parliaments, and to equalise the representation. He shortly became chairman of the association.

Wyvill drew up a circular letter enunciating its political sentiments, and took a leading part in drawing up the Yorkshire petition presented to parliament on 8 February 1780. A number of moderate Whigs, including Horace Walpole, regarded Wyvill's manifesto as chimerical, Walpole writing that it was full of 'obscurity, bombast, and futility'. Sir Cecil Wray wrote in a similar vein, and Rockingham wanted to know if the Association had ever considered the practicability of the annual parliaments which they recommended. Wyvill's contention was that the long American war was due primarily, not to the wish of the people, but to the votes of the members of the close boroughs. The Association had the sympathy of politicians including Pitt and Charles James Fox.

A committee under Wyvill was appointed to continue the pressure by correspondence, and the example of Yorkshire was followed by other counties, 25 in all. In the period 1779 to 1781, when there was a delegate conference, the movement gained a broad base. Supporters included John Baynes, Sir Robert Bernard, Newcome Cappe, John Fountayne, Sir James Grant, Thomas Brand Hollis, Sir James Innes-Ker, John Lee, Gamaliel Lloyd, George Montagu, 4th Duke of Manchester, John Smyth, Charles Stanhope, and William Johnson Temple.

With the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1783, however, and the fall of Lord North, the Association disintegrated. Wyvill's supporters dwindled, to a small group including Sir George Savile, and Sir Charles Turner, who spoke of the House of Commons as resembling a parcel of thieves that had stolen an estate and were afraid of letting any person look into their title-deeds for fear of losing it.

Wyvill strongly disapproved of the subsequent war with France, to which he attributed industrial distress in Yorkshire, and this completed his alienation from Pitt. In 1793 Wyvill published in pamphlet form correspondence that had passed between them. Some supplementary letters appeared at Newcastle in a further brochure, and both had a large sale. Wyvill attached himself to the extreme Whig opposition, and he defended in a short pamphlet (early 1799) the secession of 1798. After Fox's death he gave his support to Samuel Whitbread and the peace-at-any-price party.

Wyvill returned in later life to his early enthusiasm in the cause of universal toleration; in particular he published on Catholic emancipation. He died at his seat, Burton Hall, near Bedale in the North Riding, on 8 March 1822, at the age of 82, and was buried at Spennithorne.

Brian Wragg was a resident of York, who completed his PhD, entitled 'The Life and Works of John Carr of York: Palladian Architect'. His PhD was awarded by the University of Sheffield.

The Workers Educational Association or WEA was established in 1903, and there was branch in York from at least 1912. From 1912 to c1920 the WEA held meetings and classes at the St Mary's Educational Settlement. However, during the interwar years the relationship between the two institutions was an uneasy one. The WEA was suspicious of the Educational Settlement due to it's financial reliance on the Rowntree family, which it believed prevented the settlement from running on genuinely democratic lines. The Settlement was also considered 'bourgeois', 'middle class' 'capitalist' and 'reactionary' by the WEA. In 1921, they began to hold meetings at the Co-operative Society Hall on Railway Street, although WEA classes continued to be held at the St Mary's Settlement.
Connected to the Educational Settlement at St Mary's and the York Community Settlement Players.
See Also - York Settlement Community Players
See Also - York Educational Settlement

The Woodthorpe Residents Association was formed in 2007 to feed back information to City of York Council about grass roots issues. In particular, it is tasked with feeding back housing concerns, repairs, community issues, environment and crime.
See Also - York Subscription Library

Wheldrake Women's Institute. was created in March 1925 by a group of ladies living in Wheldrake.
The National Women's Institute was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War and is now the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.

Jack Kenneth Willson-Pepper was born in Kent in 1904, the son of Albert Edward Pepper, a butcher, and Mary Southee White.
He died in York in 2000, aged 95.

The exact opening date for William Dove & Sons has not currently been confirmed, but it was some point before 1862. The business became one of York's oldest firms of ironmongers, builders and plumbers. Originally based on the corner of Parliament Street, the business moved to Piccadilly in 1934.

By the time of its closure on 30 June 1962, the business occupied premises in Piccadilly, Fossgate and Lady Peckitt's Yard.

Tate Wilkinson was born in 1739. The son of a clergyman, he was educated at Harrow.

His first attempts at acting were badly received, and it was to his wonderful gift of mimicry that he owed his success. His imitations, however, naturally gave offence to the important actors and managers whose peculiarities he hit off to the life. Garrick, Peg Woffington, Samuel Foote and Sheridan, after being delighted with the imitations of the others, were among the most angry when it came to their turn, and threatened never to forgive him. Garrick never did.

As an actor, Wilkinson was most successful in Foote's plays, but his list of parts was a long one. In Shakespearian characters he was very popular in the provinces. In 1766 he became a partner of Joseph Baker in the management of several Yorkshire theatres, and married about 1768. He became sole manager after his partner's death in 1770 of a number of theatres on what was then called the Yorkshire Circuit, and he was both liberal and successful. The Theatre, Leeds, built to his order in 1771, was part of the circuit. In 1769 he took over York Theatre Royal, where he also had living quarters.

He died in 1803.

Wigginton Parish Council was officially created when the Local Government Act of 1894 formed Parish Councils. The new Parish Councils assumed responsibility for local civic and social welfare which was previously managed through ecclesiastical parishes.

Thomas Widdrington was the son of Lewis Mauntlaine, alias Widdrington of Cheeseburn Grange, near Stamfordham, Northumberland. He was a student at Christ's College, Cambridge in 1617 and was awarded BA in 1621. He entered Gray's Inn in 1619 and was called to the bar in 1625. He held the position of Recorder of Berwick from 1631 to 1658 and Recorder of York from 1638 to 1658. He was knighted at York on 1 April 1639.

In April 1640 Widdrington was elected Member of Parliament for Berwick in the Short Parliament. He was re-elected MP for Berwick for the Long Parliament in November 1640. As a barrister, his legal knowledge was useful during the English Civil War. In 1651 he was chosen a member of the Council of State, although he had declined to have any share in the trial of the king. He was elected MP for York in 1654 for the First Protectorate Parliament. In 1656 he was elected MP for Northumberland in the Second Protectorate Parliament and was chosen as Speaker in September 1656, and in June 1658, he was appointed Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. In 1659 and again in 1660, he was a member of the Council of State, and on three occasions he was one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal. In 1660, he was elected MP for York in the Convention Parliament. He was subsequently elected MP for Berwick again in 1661 for the Cavalier Parliament.

Thomas Widdrington married Frances Fairfax, a daughter of Ferdinando Fairfax, 2nd Lord Fairfax of Cameron. Together they had five daughters and a son.

Widdrington wrote 'Analecta Eboracensia; some Remaynes of the city of York'. The work was not formally published until 1877, when it was edited with introduction and notes by the Rev. Caesar Caine.

Thomas Widdrington died in 1664.

William White was born on 10 June 1744 in Castlegate, son of Timothy White, linen draper, and Marta his wife, both Quakers. Although no records have been found, it is possible he started his training with the Quaker apothecary Benjamin Bartlett, Jnr. in London. As a non-conformist he would not have been eligible to attend Oxford or Cambridge universities but many English doctors at that time travelled to Scottish universities for medical training.

In 1765-6 White attended Edinburgh where he joined the Medical Society of Edinburgh and matriculated in 1766. From at least 1768 he was back in York, once again living in Castlegate, and working at the County Hospital. When he registered as a freeman of the City of York in 1771 he did so as the son of a York freeman and an apothecary. To complete his training he attended the University of Leiden in 1775 graduating Medicinae Doctor with a thesis on ‘recurrent fever’. On returning to York he resumed work with the County Hospital and then the York Dispensary. White’s approach to medicine was also scientific as he carried out experiments and ‘observations’ that were published as books, in privately printed articles and in medical and scientific journals. Two of his articles were published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. He died aged 45 on 28th October 1790 from consumption, one of the diseases he had been researching. His observations on this topic were published posthumously in 1792 by his friend and colleague Dr Alexander Hunter.

Of particular interest to York local researchers is White’s ‘Analecta Eboracensia’ or Memorandum Book’ (WHI/1). The greater part (21 pages) covers the period 26 January 1782 to 21 September 1785 with follow up items by his Quaker friend, the printer William Alexander. The 50 entries by White focus on improvements to the city streets and buildings, local, regional and national political events and the weather, including York’s perennial problem of flooding. Most interesting and useful to local historians are the depictions of streets – Castlegate, Castlegate Postern Lane, Coppergate, Fishergate, approach to Fishergate, ‘Road to Fulford’, High Ousegate, Hosier Lane, Low Ousegate, Nessgate, Ousebridge, Pavement and Spurriergate. What is exceptional is that they delineate individual buildings with the names of their occupiers or owners. The plans in the Memorandum Book are somewhat roughly drawn but a ruler-drawn or ‘neat’ copy also survives (WHI/2). Photographs of these neat copy maps can be found in PHO/2/111 and PHO/3/1835. There is no indication who drew the neater version.
For further detail see: ‘Dr William White (1744 - 1790) of Castlegate, ‘a Physician of considerable talent’. Sylvia D. Hogarth. York Historian 2007, vol.24, pages 19-36.

Joined with corporation in 1934 to form a joint committee to run bus services in and around York.

Established with the The National Assistance Act which formally abolished the Poor Law system and replaced it with a National Assistance Scheme. It covered those not covered by National Insurance Act 1946 including the physically disabled, homeless persons, the elderly and unmarried mothers.
Replaced the Public Assistance Committee, later the Social Welfare Committee (1929-1948), which itself had previously taken over functions from the Board of Guardians (1837-1930). Replaced by the Social Services Committee (1970-71) (with an overlap of two months).

Following the reform of the corporation, a police force was set up in 1835 and first chief constable apppointed.
Full responsibility for policing transferred to Corporation in 1835 (from Magistrates, Parish Constables and City Commissioners). See also Chief Constable and City Police. Responsibility for prisons transferred to Home Secretary in 1877. Renamed Watch and Fire Services Committee in 1949. Gained fire brigade responsibilites from Yorkshire Insurance Company in 1875.

Following the reform of the corporation, a police force was set up in 1835 and first chief constable apppointed.
Full responsibility for policing transferred to Corporation in 1835 (from Magistrates, Parish Constables and City Commissioners). See also Chief Constable and City Police. Responsibility for prisons transferred to Home Secretary in 1877. Renamed Watch and Fire Services Committee in 1949. Gained fire brigade responsibilites from Yorkshire Insurance Company in 1875.

Renamed in 1949, presumably to represent the full range of duties.
See also Chief Constable and City Police. Formerly Watch Committee (1835-1949). In 1965 the committee was split into two separate committees: the Fire and Licensing Committee and the Watch Committee.

The original founder of the company, John Brook, became a qualified solicitor in 1791 and he established his first partnership in 1812 with George Bulmer. The firm became known as Brook & Bulmer with their office based in Goodramgate, but later in new, larger premises in New Street.
Bulmer retired in 1833, and Brook's godson, Henry John Ware, became his partner in 1845. The Ware connection continued until 1966, when Innes Ware retired. The firm is now known as Ware & Kay Solicitors Ltd, and the Kay component traces back to Robert Newbald Kay, who became a solicitor in 1893, and whose great grandson, Peter Kay, is a senior partner at the firm today. They now have offices in both York and Wetherby.

Christopher Ware was born in March 1794 in St Michael le Belfrey parish in York He married Sarah Nicholson in 1823. He died in 1858.

Roland Walls was born into a North Yorkshire farming family and, after graduating from Cambridge University, pursued a career as a librarian. He spent a large part of his career at York City Library (now York Explore Library) before becoming a senior regional manager for North Yorkshire Libraries in Northallerton. He was committed to supporting his local community, and championing traditional music and cultures.

In the 1980s, Walls became the sole organiser of the recently-formed Black Swan Folk Club. Whilst he was neither a musician nor a performer, he was dedicated to the running of the Folk Club, and won the BBC Folk Club of the Year award in 2009. The club also won Best Small Venue in the Yorkshire Gig Guide in 2016. From 2001 he also arranged folk concerts at the National Centre for Early Music, in Walmgate, in tandem with the NCEM.

After a cancer diagnosis in 2010, Walls was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018. Nevertheless he organised the annual City of York Weekend at the Black Swan, where 45 acts performed over three days. That same year, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Yorkshire Gig Guide.

Roland Walls died from Motor Neurone Disease in June 2019.
Black Swan Folk Club; York Public Library