The legacy of Frank Green: the last owner of Grade 1 listed Treasurer’s House, York

Restoration and preservation

When Green purchased the Treasurer’s House, it was a complex set of apartments rather than a single grand residence. Over six months, he meticulously bought each part of the house and worked with the owner of the neighbouring Grey’s Court to restore the property to its former glory. He appointed the architect Temple Moore to oversee the restoration. Green was passionate about the house and wanted to ensure it reflected its historical significance. He also wanted a home that could showcase his period furniture alongside his glass and china collections.

Green’s attention to detail was legendary. He insisted on workers wearing slippers to minimise noise and even wrapped pieces of coal in newspaper to prevent unnecessary clattering. His exacting standards extended to the arrangement of the house’s contents, which were to remain unchanged even after his death.

Saving York’s heritage

Beyond the Treasurer’s House, Frank Green played a crucial role in preserving other historic buildings in York. Concerned by the rapid modernisation and demolition of historic structures in the city, Green used his influence and resources to save several local buildings from being torn down or modernised beyond recognition. His efforts ensured that York retained much of its historical charm and architectural integrity, which continues to attract visitors and historians alike.

The economiser heat exchangers

Frank Green’s wealth primarily stemmed from his family’s pioneering work in industrial engineering. His grandfather, Edward Green, invented the economiser heat exchanger in 1845. This innovative device was designed to recover waste heat from flue gases in boilers, significantly improving efficiency. By preheating the water entering the boiler, the economiser reduced fuel consumption and emissions, thereby making it a revolutionary advancement in industrial processing.

The success of the economiser led to the establishment of E. Green & Son, a company that became a global leader in the production of heat exchangers. The business flourished, supplying economisers to various industries worldwide, and laid the financial foundation for Frank Green’s later ventures.

Themed rooms of Treasurer’s House

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Treasurer’s House is its themed rooms, each meticulously designed to reflect different historical periods. Frank Green’s vision was to create a living museum where visitors could experience the grandeur of various eras through authentic furnishings and decor.

• The great hall: This room is designed to evoke the medieval period, featuring dark wood panelling, a grand fireplace, and period furniture that transports visitors back to the time of the house’s original construction. However, it’s important to note that Green’s vision for the Great Hall was based on his interpretation of how the house might have originally looked. There is no concrete historical evidence to support this design, making it more of a romanticised reconstruction rather than an accurate restoration.
• The king’s room: Named in honour of King James I, who visited the house in 1617, this room is adorned with Jacobean-style furnishings and portraits, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the early 17th century. Interestingly, the room was named the King’s Room even though James I received his title after his visit.
• The dining room: Reflecting the elegance of the Georgian era, this room is furnished with fine china, silverware, and period-appropriate furniture, creating an atmosphere of refined dining from the 18th century.
•  The drawing room: This room showcases Victorian decor, complete with plush seating, ornate mirrors, and intricate wallpaper, providing a cosy yet grand setting typical of the 19th century.

Each room in the Treasurer’s House is a carefully curated snapshot of history, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the lifestyle and aesthetics of different periods.

Manicured gardens

The gardens at the Treasurer’s House are a serene escape from the bustling city, meticulously designed to reflect the elegance and style that Frank Green envisioned. The garden layout, established by Green in the early 1900s, remains largely unchanged today.

• Planting fit for a gentleman: The garden features muted, predominantly pastels of whites and blues, with statements of grandeur and decadence that mirror the house’s interior decor. Seasonal highlights include iris, crocus, tulips in early spring, peonies, wisteria, and delphiniums as the season progresses, and agapanthus, fuchsias, asters, and anemones in the summer and autumn.
• Figures and statues: Green added wrought-iron gates and statues, including pink sandstone figures of Ceres and Vulcan, and a replica of Mercury used as a fountain. These elements add a classical touch to the garden, enhancing its historical ambience.
• A royal avenue: An avenue of London plane trees, planted before a royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1900, leads to the garden door, adding a majestic entrance to the garden.

The garden has won the gold award for Yorkshire in Bloom for six consecutive years, a testament to its beauty and meticulous upkeep. Visitors can enjoy the garden for free on open days, making it a perfect spot to relax and admire the view of York Minster.

A gift to the nation

In 1930, Frank Green retired and moved to Somerset. Recognising the historical and cultural value of the Treasurer’s House, he made the unprecedented decision to donate the property, along with its contents, to the National Trust. This donation marked the first time a private home and its original furnishings were given to the Trust, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts.

Green’s donation came with a unique stipulation: the rooms were to be kept exactly as he had arranged them. He even vowed to return to haunt the building if any changes were made. When visiting the house look out for studs marking the floor to show exactly where furniture should be placed!

Guided tours only

To preserve the integrity and historical accuracy of the house, the National Trust operates the Treasurer’s House on a guided tour-only basis from April to October. This approach ensures that visitors receive a comprehensive and informative experience, learning about the house’s history, Frank Green’s contributions, and the significance of each room. Pre-booking is recommended to guarantee a spot, although a limited number of walk-up spaces are available each day on a first-come, first-served basis.

An enduring legacy

Frank Green’s contribution to the preservation of the Treasurer’s House cannot be overstated. His efforts not only saved a significant historical building but also provided a model for future conservation projects. The house, with its 13 period rooms and rich history, continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Preserving historic buildings and the importance of insurance

Preserving historic buildings like the Treasurer’s House is not only about maintaining their physical structure but also about safeguarding their cultural and historical significance for future generations. Insurance plays a crucial role in this preservation effort, providing financial protection against potential damages and unforeseen events.

Specialist listed property brokers, such as Abode, offer tailored insurance solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs of historic properties. We understand the complexities involved in insuring listed buildings, from the use of traditional materials in repairs to the adherence to strict conservation regulations. By working with our specialist team, owners of historic properties can ensure that their cherished buildings are adequately protected, allowing them to continue their legacy of preservation and heritage.