In eighteenth century York, as in the rest of England, county courts held by magistrates dealt with civil and criminal matters—from licensing to petty theft. More serious crimes were referred on to the Assize courts where a jury and professional judges sat in judgement. These high-ranking judiciary figures, often aristocrats, knights of the realm or holders of government office, came to York twice a year in March and in August to sit. From 1720 to 1806, the lodging for these visiting judges was a smart Georgian townhouse in the very centre of town: Judges’ Court. In these eighty years or so, the judiciary who passed through Judges Court saw more than two hundred criminals convicted and hung at the Knavesmire in York. The most celebrated case tried by one of the residents of Judges’ Court, was in 1739 when Judge William Chapple convicted a Wakefield man of horse-stealing. The man he sentenced to hang was John Palmer, but his real name was Richard Turpin—Dick Turpin. This once grand building slowly declined before we bought it in 2013 and restored it to it's former glory with Judges Court welcoming it's first guests in November 2014. We have 15 rooms across 4 floors, including a lower ground, each with their own individual, original features; all floors are accessed by stairs only. We do not accept Groups/Stag or Hen parties

Judges Court is located in a hidden courtyard right in the very centre of the city. Stepping out from the courtyard you find yourself right in the heart of York with all of the city's attractions just a short stroll away. York's pedestrian zone is one of the largest in Europe; our 'footstreets' restrict vehicle access to create a safer and more attractive city centre, and reduce inner city pollution.