This house on Bootham was the childhood home of Quaker philanthropist Joseph Rowntree (1836-1925). That elegant cobweb arch above the door is typical of buildings of this period in York.
Early in the last century the Rowntree company was one of Britain's best known
firms, both for its commercial success and in the field of industrial
welfare. Joseph Rowntree cared about the quality of life of his employees. A female welfare worker was appointed in 1891, and in 1900 a
welfare officer was appointed for boys and men. Sick and provident funds followed, then a doctor's surgery. A
savings scheme was set up in 1905; a pension scheme in 1906; and a sick benefit
scheme in 1910.
Rowntree's most lasting philanthropic act was to use half of his fortune to create three trusts. He stated that he did not want his
children to lead the idle life often associated with large
inheritances. The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust was created to support adult education, social research, and the Society of Friends.
The Joseph Rowntree Social Trust concentrated on social and political
activities,
and the Joseph Rowntree Village (now Housing) Trust was given
responsibility for building affordable working-class housing. By the
time Joseph Rowntree died in 1925 the model village of New Earswick contained almost 400 homes, as well as community and educational facilities. The Trusts and the village still flourish.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday
Mo commented yesterday that the houses on Bootham might be expensive to buy. This is Penn House on the corner of Bootham and St Mary's, and was recently for sale with an asking price of £1.5 million. It was last used as part of Bootham School so will need quite a bit more spending on it if it is to be made into a home again.
The house was built around 1852 and was called Top House as it is at
the top of St Mary's. It was was built for Joseph Rowntree's father, Joseph senior, a grocer and prominent Quaker, who, with Samuel
Tuke, established the Quaker Bootham and Mount schools. His widow,
Sarah, lived at Top House until her death in 1888. Joseph junior lived in the house on and off until 1905.
From 1905-20 his son the social reformer Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree continued to use Top House as an
office. In 1920 Joseph donated the house to Bootham School, when it
became known as Penn House.
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre was built by the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust in 1935. It seats around 450 and was designed to bring affordable entertainment to the citizens of York. It is still used as a performance venue by upwards of 30 local art groups and entertainers, and is staffed entirely by local volunteers. It is close to the site of the Rowntree chocolate factory and since this was taken over by Nestle UK they have owned (and supported) the theatre.
Last month ownership of this Art Deco beauty passed to York St John University. There is a covenant on the building which means it must continue to be used as a theatre, and as it has been recently refurbished I look forward to my next visit.
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