Address: 13 Davygate, York, YO1 8RJ (now Rolex)
Description
On a white stone façade, the faint outline of metal letters once spelling “Virgin Money” is all that remains, creating a modern ghost sign.
History
Davygate
In the 12th century, the land where Davygate now stands was granted to John, the King’s Larderer.
By 1226, his son David owned the land and resided in a house known as Davy Hall.
Davy Hall Source: York Press
Over time, a street emerged in the area, taking its name from the hall and becoming known as ‘Davygate.’
1903 – Davygate Source: York Press
Virgin Money
Virgin Money, founded by Richard Branson in March 1995, initially operated under the name Virgin Direct.
The company made waves by introducing an innovative personal equity plan that tracked index values.
Throughout the 2000s, Virgin Money expanded globally. However, by 2020, the Davygate branch in York had closed.
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