35 Stonegate

35 Stonegate is a grade II* listed building in the city centre of York, in England.

The building, in 2021

The building lies on Stonegate, one of the most historic streets in the city of York. From the early 14th century, the site of the building was owned by the Prebend of Bramham. The front section of the current building was constructed in the 15th century, a timber-framed three-storey range facing the street. In the early-17th century, a separate two-storey timber-framed building was built at the rear of the plot, possibly to serve as workshops. In about 1700, a further block was built, in brick, joining the two existing ranges together. The front building was altered at the same time, with a new staircase inserted.[1][2]

Stained glass in the first floor window

In 1682, Francis Hildyard opened a bookshop in the building, known as "At the Sign of the Bible".[2] From 1762 until 1811, it was a library and bookshop owned by John Todd. In 1759, he sold the first 200 copies of Laurence Sterne's novel, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, now commemorated in a York Civic Trust plaque.[3] The property continued to operate as a bookshop until 1872, when it was purchased by John Ward Knowles, a stained glass maker. In 1874, he completed a renovation of the building. This includes a decorative facade, loosely inspired by the Tudor style, the ground floor shopfront, a bay window in the rear section, and a large amount of stained glass.[4] The stained glass business closed in 1931, but the Knowles family continued living in the building until the 1990s.[5]

The "Holy Bible" sign

In reference to the building's history, there is a sign above the door depicting a bible, with "HOLY BIBLE 1682" written on it. The first and second floors are both jettied, and both the 1682 date and the date of the 1874 restoration are inscribed on the front. Inside, the ground floor has 17th century panelling, and the staircase of about 1700 survives, as do many doors of similar date. There is an 18th century fireplace on the first floor. On the ground floor is a Gothic-style Victorian fireplace, and some ornate cupboards also dating from the restoration.[1][2]

In 1999, the building was purchased by astrologer Jonathan Cainer,[5] who initially sold horoscopes from it. In 2004, he worked with Uri Geller to relaunch it as the Museum Of Psychic Experience. Derek Acorah filmed an episode of Ghost Towns Live in the building in 2006. The following year, Cainer transformed the building into Haunted, a haunted house attraction, which closed in 2014.[6] In 2015, it became the first Oliver Bonas shop in the north of England.[7]