A NATIONAL Trust shop in the shadow of York Minster is celebrating half a century in business.
The first imagery in the archives showing the National Trust shop on Goodramgate is dated 1969 and not that much has changed externally over the last five decades, beyond a few coats of paint.
However, internally the décor and spiral staircase from the 1970s hints at a time gone by.
Today shoppers can browse in a bright an airy space with any profits directly supporting the work of the conservation charity.
The shop as it looks today Picture: GUY NEWTON
The building, along with several others in York and nearby Treasurer’s House was donated to the National Trust, to be cared for indefinitely, by Frank Green in the 1930s.
It had many owners over the previous decades including use as a drapers shop owned by former Railway King, George Hudson.
Stepping further back in time, the archway marked one of four entrances to York’s sacred Minster precinct, with timbers dating back to the late 12th century; it is the only one remaining today.
To mark the anniversary, all next week there will be free samples to taste in-store and 20 per cent off selected lines with offers changing daily.
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