A 19th century illustration showing the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey

In the 1530s, the Dissolution brought to ruins the mighty monastic houses which had dominated much of York, yet the city continued as an ecclesiastical, social and political centre. Faced by competition from Leeds and Hull, York lost its pre-eminent position as a trading centre by the 17th century but it remained a focus for commerce with busy river wharves and jetties. In the 19th century nonconformist religion flourished in York and a number of chapels were constructed, some of which survive today. The city remained a thriving social centre and northern society flocked to the elegant 18th century Assembly Rooms and other public buildings. Rowntrees chocolate factory opened in 1891 and by the late 19th century York was also a great railway centre.

Excavating a late 16th century kiln used for turning building stone from the Gilbertine Priory at Fishergate into lime

The Trust has excavated a number of post-medieval sites and buildings, including the Assembly Rooms. Amongst the evidence we have recovered for manufacturing in the city are late 17th century pottery moulds for sugar refining, debris from 18th century glass working, tortoiseshell ivory combs and offcuts, and jars for pomade bearing the name of the Huguenot family of Rougier, after whom Rougier Street is named.

Pomade jar, wig curlers and manufacturing debris from tortoiseshell comb making

Clay mould used for making sugar loaves