Address: 4 Coppergate, York, YO1 9NR
Description
A stunning stone carving atop the building reads ‘1906 Galtres Chambers’, adorned with intricate swirls and decorative curls.
History
Coppergate’s past is as deep as it is diverse, as evidenced by a significant archaeological excavation from 1976 to 1981, conducted before the redevelopment of the area.
The dig revealed 2,000 years of history, including Roman roof tiles and, most notably, evidence of settlement in Jorvik—Viking York.
The ‘Coppergate Helmet’ excavated in May 1982
Timber buildings and workshops that produced jewellery and metalwork were unearthed.
In total, 40,000 artefacts were discovered, the most remarkable being the York Helmet (pictured above), a stunning example of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship.
1981 – Towards the end of the archaeological excavation in Coppergate Source: York Press
Much later, the Galtres Chambers building was constructed in 1906, as indicated by the carved stone sign. In 1997, the building became a Grade II listed structure.
It was previously occupied by offices and commercial enterprises, including solicitors, accountants, and dentists.
In 2014, the upper floors were renovated into four luxury apartments, while the ground floor was converted into shops.
Coppergate stands as a testament to York’s rich history, offering modern luxury apartments and retail spaces while preserving its archaeological legacy.
Coppergate now
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