The Priory of St Leonard had one of the largest hospitals in medieval England. The 13th century remains include the water gate and part of the infirmary.

The priory occupied a large area, extending from the current standing remains (located just inside the entrance to Museum Gardens - see Images 1 to 4) all the way across the sites now occupied by York City Library and St Leonard's Place to the site now occupied by the Theatre Royal.

Image 1

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The southwest elevation of the 12th century Hospital of St Leonard’s Priory and the foundations of an interval tower from the Roman fortress (bottom-left). The chapel crypt lies behind these windows (see Image 6).

Image 2

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This view of the southwest elevation includes the adjacent 'Water Gate' arch (right), which is just out of shot in Image 1. This side of the building faces (and can be accessed from) Museum Gardens.

Image 3

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The remains of the gate house (left) and infirmary (right), photographed from the opposite side of Museum Street. The scale of (and the relationship between) these two adjoining buildings is best appreciated from this viewpoint.

Image 4

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The northeast elevation (facing Library Square).

Image 5

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The stone-vaulted roof above the Water Gate passageway (taken from just inside the archway visible in Image 2). This area contains a fascinating set of interpretation panels.

Image 6

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The stone-vaulted crypt / undercroft of the chapel, as seen through the bars of the gate visible on the left hand side of Images 1 and 2.

The priory's buildings are known to have included the water gate, an east gate (opposite the junction of Duncombe Place and Blake Street) the infirmary (which was capable of taking care of between 200 and 300 people), at least one infirmary chapel, at least one church with attached cloister, a treasury, a chapter house, a refectory, stabling for at least eight horses and a communal dormitory. In addition:

"By 1280 there was a grammar school with provision for a grammar, singing master and 19 boys. There was also a guest hall; a cellar; a tannery; a malthouse; a watermill; a workshop for a carpenter, wright and mason; a smithy; several stables; a gatehouse; and 3 ships. There were two kitchens, a bakehouse and brewery, and a cemetery."

Source: "Mint Yard, York: Conservation Management Plan." by Simpson & Brown Architects with Addyman Archaeology. Final Draft, August 2012.

During the 16th century, at least part of the St Leonard's Priory site was used as a Royal Mint, when this function was transferred from Clifford's Tower.

Practical Information

Please note that medical / health care is no longer available at this location.

The main archway currently houses an interesting set of interpretation panels relating to Roman York, St Mary's Abbey, St Leonard's Hospital, the Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens.