Explore the rich history of York’s Bonding Warehouse, from its origins to its modern-day transformation.
Initially called Bonded Warehouse, officials stored goods there, including wines and spirits, while waiting for duty payments. The building boasts a handsome interior, featuring brick ceilings on the ground floor supported by cast-iron columns.
A sack chute once moved items between floors, particularly cocoa beans and peanuts, but it disappeared before 2000. The warehouse reflects the river’s historical commercial role, with York’s port managed nearby for many years.
A ferry once crossed the Ouse from Skeldergate around 1541; the Gilliam family leased it from 1732 until around 1860. A sailor’s song, “Tom Bowling,” written by Charles Dibdin, might be about their son.
Wilkie Collins wrote about Skeldergate in his 1862 book, “No Name.” Collins, who visited York with Charles Dickens, described the river view in his writing.
In 1873, the ferry was heavily used with over 800 daily crossings. People advocated for a bridge, and Skeldergate Bridge opened in 1881, originally with a toll.
River traffic declined in the 20th century, leading to the warehouse’s closure by 1958. Rowntree’s used it at one point and later the council owned it. A pub and music venue then took over the space during the 1980s and 1990s.
Many famous comedians performed there, including Jo Brand, Lee Evans, and Simon Pegg. Flooding caused its closure in 2000, and it deteriorated.
Grantside purchased the building in 2012 and undertook repairs and rebuilding efforts, including adding a footbridge and implementing concrete to fix flood issues. It was transformed into homes and offices, including a million-pound apartment.
Anaplan, a software firm founded by Michael Gould, moved there in 2014. The Helmsley Group purchased the building in 2015.
Patch now occupies the old Anaplan space, designed for new tech and creative firms. It hopes to host 50 companies, potentially accommodating around 400 people.
Thom Feeney is interested in hosting community events, such as music, comedy, or meetups, and prefers to use local catering.
Thom is seeking old photos of the warehouse to create a history wall. He is aware of Brenda and Ian Henry, who are associated with Tetley’s Brewery.
The Clements Hall Local History Group conducts research related to Bishophill and Skeldergate and has also created a walking tour leaflet.