It is with the greatest sadness that The Friends of York Walls have to report the death of Simon Mattam – a Volunteer, Friend, Committee Member and Trustee of FOYW since 2011

Simon Mattam sadly passed away on Thursday 4th June 2026.  He died relatively peacefully, but suddenly.   A wonderful husband to Ann, father of daughter Bryony, a good friend and mentor to many.  His knowledge, wisdom and guidance has been a major influence on The Friends of York Walls and he will be sorely missed. His legacy and memory will remain with us all.

Simon was among the early members of The Friends of York Walls, formed in 2011. He has worked tirelessly over the years helping to build up the group  and promote York’s City Walls. He has long service as a Committee Member and as a Trustee.  Simon will be remembered for his many contributions to FOYW activities, including his model building skills, his displays, his hand-drawn maps and notices, his writing and publishing of the book “A Walking Guide to York’s City Walls”, his knowledge of flora around the walls, and many many articles and news items on a whole variety of subjects. More recently Simon’s health and breathing difficulties forced him to take a step back from the more demanding and physical activities, but he was always there to impart his knowledge, wisdom and opinions.

The Friends of York Walls owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Simon for his many years of establishing the foundations of what we are about as a charity. He was a meticulous worker and a person of the highest integrity and commitment. In particular the public have lost an indefatigable champion of their interests, a tradition we will work hard to live up to.

Simon will be fondly remembered by all of his friends and colleagues at FOYW,  and we pass on our deepest sympathy and condolences to wife Ann, daughter Bryony, and to all of his family.

Rest In Peace,  Simon. 

Published  5th June 2026       A F

The York Historic Environment Record (HER) is a comprehensive database documenting the city’s archaeological sites, historic buildings, monuments, and city walls, accessible online for research and public exploration.

Overview –

The York HER is maintained by the City Archaeologist at the City of York Council and serves as the primary archaeological database for the city. It contains information from a wide range of sources, including archaeological reports, historic maps, trade directories, and national monuments records, covering thousands of archaeological projects across York. The HER also includes details about the City Walls, scheduled monuments, and listed historic buildings.

Here you can discover York’s rich archaeological heritage (above and below ground) by searching the records or exploring the map.

You can also find out more about the history of York’s City Walls and how they are cared for by exploring the City Walls section.

The York Historic Environment Record (HER) can be accessed via THIS LINK

The section on York’s City Walls history ( HERE ) states – York City Walls are of exceptional significance on account of their long and unique history and their historic and continuing relevance to, and impact on, the culture, society, economy and environment of the City of York and its wider, universal contexts.

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Posted 22nd April 2026   AF

FOYW Artwork Project and Image Gallery

Over the past three years the Friends of York Walls have been commissioning local artists to produce an example of their work using the City Walls and Fishergate Postern Tower as their creative inspiration.  We have also commissioned some artists to do studies of individual stones on the walls, highlighting the fact their surfaces have their own intrinsic interest.  In addition, we have also bought examples of works by artists from the past and present.

Our aim is to provide people with the experience of seeing creative responses to the walls, both through a gallery of the images and supporting information on this website, and through installing the originals in Fishergate Postern Tower. This is a building on the walls which we open to the public as a heritage venue, to maximise public access. An exhibition of the artwork, later in the year, will aim to enhance the visitor experience within the building.   We are also happy to show the work of the artists to a wide public.

The Artwork Image Gallery & Information can be accessed  HERE

Posted / Updated 23rd Feb 2026  AF