Ryedale Auctioneers team are thrilled play a part in the narrative of the York Butchers’ Guild, having the honour of selling furniture along with other items that once resided in their original office, close to the Shambles, in our upcoming Country House Sale.  
 

What Is The Butchers Guild of York? The Guilds have a rich history in the governance of the City of York, and the Butchers had a key role to play. Their duties involved the training of new butchers through a comprehensive seven year apprenticeship - a route which allowed the successful apprentice to become a Freeman of the City. Based in the historic Shambles, the Butchers originally had a Gild Hall in Gell Garth - now the York Market - and now hold meetings at Jacobs Well on Trinity Lane, Micklegate. 

The primary role of the Butchers was the training and education of apprentices, but they also may had a responsibility for civic duty - including through a contribution to the York Mystery Plays. A central focus for the guilds, these plays were performed around the city, with the Butchers taking responsibility for the ‘Death of Christ’ - a role likely bestowed due to their connection with the killing of animals for food.  

One of the standout items from the consignment is a stunning refectory table gifted by one prominent figure in York history: John Bowes Morrell. A historian and writer, Morrell has a rich connection to the city, having been named Lord Mayor of York twice, and a key figure in the local drive to establish the University of York. He was also founder of the York Conservation Trust, after he and his brother, Cuthbert, spent time purchasing and restoring medieval properties in York - in 1976, they bequeathed the properties to the York Conversation Trust Limited, which remains in place today.  

We are also delighted to offer a rare York map owned by the Gild, titled “Ichnography or Ground Plot of ye CITY OF YORKE”, as surveyed by Benedict Horsley in 1694, and offers a fascinating insight into the City of Old, complete with the 1697 Armes of the City of York. The sale also includes several of the group’s 19th century ash and elm Windsor chairs.  

The items will be sold on Saturday 9th December as part of our Country House Sale, with viewing Thursday 7th and Friday 8th December 10am-4pm.

VIEW THE FULL CATALOGUE HERE