35 STONEGATE

35 Stonegate, York

35 Stonegate is a 15th century timber-framed building that was home to ‘The Sign of the Bible’ bookshop from 1682 until 1873. Later that year, the building was acquired by acclaimed stained glass artist J.W. Knowles who used it both as his residence and workshop, and can be credited for adding much of the stained glass to the building.          

The Grade II* listed building includes many interesting features from different periods – a painted wooden book sign hanging over the door, incorporating the words ‘Holy Bible 1682’ and ornate cast-iron cellar grilles and bands of glazed tiles displaying the date 1874. It also boasts the world’s first commemorative glass blue plaque which was unveiled by the York Civic Trust in 2024 to mark the building’s significance as the site where, in 1759, writer and clergyman Laurence Sterne’s novel ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman’, was first published and sold.

In more recent years, the building capitalised on its reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in York (said to house no fewer than 14 spirits) with immersive, haunted tours.

It is now home to fashion retailer, WYSE London (a luxury women’s fashion brand that chose York as its first Northern boutique in October 2025).