The King's Manor, one of historic York's most attractive and unusual sites, is enjoying a renaissance which is both physical and intellectual. As home to University of York staff and students, its buildings and grounds epitomise the sensitive and appropriate use of historic structures. In 1995 the Department of Archaeology (incorporating the former Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies) joined the Centre for Medieval Studies in the complex of buildings that form the King's Manor. They were joined in 1998 by the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies. The conjunction of these major areas of scholarship has been the spur to flourishing inter-disciplinary projects.
As the city-centre premises of the University of York, the King's Manor has a sure place in the future. The staff of Archaeology, Medieval Studies and Eighteenth Century Studies have built up unparalleled reputations through innovative teaching and world-leading research, characteristics which have become the hallmark of the University.
And this group of largely Grade I medieval buildings is a vivid evocation of the past. Originally the Abbot's House of St Mary's Abbey, the King's Manor served the Tudors and Stuarts as a seat of government, becoming residences in the 18th century and a school in the 19th. The history of the King's Manor weaves a continuous thread in the history of York since medieval times.