New chapter for King's Manor as York St John University moves in

York St John University is delighted to become the custodian of King's Manor and will begin moving into the historic buildings over the summer, ready to welcome students and staff for the start of the academic year in September. 

The site will provide new teaching and lecture spaces, a home for the public-facing Law Clinic and Business Clinic, dedicated business incubation space, new events facilities, and office accommodation for up to 100 staff. The additional provision will allow the University to reconfigure spaces across other sites to improve student timetabling and reduce the use of temporary facilities and off-site storage. 

King's Manor is one of York's most historically significant medieval buildings, located on Exhibition Square just a few hundred metres from York St John University's Lord Mayor's Walk campus. Built in the 15th century as the abbot's house of St Mary's Abbey, it later became Crown property and the headquarters of the Council of the North before the start of a long and distinguished history as a place for learning. York St John has now taken a long leasehold on the site from City of York Council. 

Professor Karen Bryan OBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of York St John University, said:  

"This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both York St John University and King's Manor. For centuries, this remarkable building has been a place for education, and we are proud to continue that tradition by creating an inspiring environment for our students, staff and wider community.  

"As part of occupying the site, we are committed to improving public access and links to the wider Abbey Precinct, as well as growing our local partnerships. By bringing new life to this historic building, we look forward to seeing it become a vibrant centre of learning and collaboration." 

The University's move marks the latest chapter in the educational legacy of King's Manor. Over the centuries, the building has been home to the original Manor School, the Wilberforce School for the Blind and, most recently, the University of York.