Year: 2026

Volunteers Wanted – to help us decorate our 2026 York Minster Christmas Tree

The Friends of York Walls have applied for and been allocated a Christmas Tree to decorate as part of the annual “York Minster 2026 Christmas Tree Festival” event.

The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival = Opening Times –

The festival will take place inside York Minster and will be open to the public on Saturday 28th November, with a specialfamily friendly Saturdayservice at 10am, to which all participating organisations are invited, and then run until Tuesday 5th January 2027.

Entrance to the Minster is free to York residents with proof of address and will also be free to participating organisations.

 

FOYW are now asking for volunteers to help with making tree decorations and decorating our tree.  All ideas and skills are very welcome.

We are looking for volunteers to help with –

  • decoration ideas, (see link to speadsheet at  HERE)
  • making the decorations,
  • help with co-ordinating activities,
  • hanging decorations on our allocated tree in the Minster  (November 26th or 27th – actual date and time slot tba !),
  • collecting the decorations at the end of the exhibition period (January 6th or 7th 2027 – date and time slot tba !).

If you would like to get involved – please email   friendsofyorkwalls@yorkwalls.org.uk  with subject “Christmas Tree Volunteering”

For more information and fuller details SEE HERE

 

Posted 19th June 2026  af

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Crucifer by walls leading to Red Tower – Simon Mattam

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.

A simple family graveside reading took place on 26th June when Simon was laid to rest in York Cemetery, at the end of “The Butterfly Walk”.   Any donations “In Memory of Simon” can be made to OXFAM

Rest In Peace,  Simon. 

 

Published  5th June 2026        A F
Updated on 26th June 2026    AF

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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

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On Saturday 18th April 2026 the Sheriffs Army visited Fishergate Postern Tower as part of their annual patrol of York’s City Walls.

Bill Hill reports =

We had a great day for the reputation of Friends of York Walls at our FPT Open Day last Saturday when we welcomed the Sheriff’s Army with several of us in costume.

Here is a visual flavour of the occasion, with more photos below:

The reception committee: Left to right – Oli Harrison, Bill Hill, Llevelis Blanchet-Rampazzi, and Sally Barlow.

Llevelys is from Limoges in France, but is at the University of York this term just until July and is volunteering with us.

Centre is the Sheriff, Paul Doughty, right is his Consort, David Smith (Chair of the Board of St Leonard’s Hospices in York), and left is Llevelys Blanchet-Rampazzi. Sally took this photo so that Llevelys can send it to his parents. 
 
The costumes worn by Llevelys, Oli and Sally are all from the York Theatre Royal Costume Hire.

We also had a great day in terms of the number of visitors, achieving 515, which is our next to highest ever!   Well done our shepherds, Sally Barlow and Steve Bracher. Very many thanks also to Chris Walker-Lyne, Oli Harrison, and Joan Pritchard  for making it all work inside.

We had £200.05 in donations, taking our total 2026 donations to date this year after six open days to £1,207 plus 2,735 visitors.

Our next Open Day is on Saturday 9th May.   If you can spare some time to help it would be great to see you.

Cheers    Bill

Sheriff of York, Paul Doughty, at FIshergate Postern Tower 18th April 2026, with members of his ‘Army’. To the right is John Oxley, taking a breather from his guiding duties.

Members of the ‘Sheriff’s Army’ at Fishergate Postern Tower 18th April 2026, with Oli Harrison in the midst, to the right of the chap in shades.
Some more photos from Sally Barlow available   HERE
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Posted  21st April 2026   AF
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