Who we are
Charitable Objectives
York Georgian Society was founded in 1939 to promote the preservation and care, and to
foster the study and appreciation, of Georgian buildings in and around the City of York. It
is one of the oldest societies in the world devoted to the Georgian era, and the second oldest
such society in Great Britain outside London.
“The York Georgian Society aims to encourage the conservation, restoration
and maintenance of Georgian buildings and architecture; to prevent
disfigurement to settings and other features of Georgian character; to
promote interest and education in, and knowledge and learning of all
aspects of Georgian architecture, arts, culture and society, all with special
but not exclusive reference to the City of York and its neighbourhood.”
Transformation Project 2023
The York Georgian Society works to achieve the charitable objectives of ‘the preservation,
study and appreciation of York’s Georgian past’. In late 2022, we published our three-year Strategic Plan with the objective of building resilience and increasing relevance by growing membership, strengthening partnerships and expanding our activities. In 2023, we appointed a Project Co-ordination officer to support the aims of the Strategic Plan including digitising our activities, expanding the types of events we offer, broadening our audiences to new demographics and strengthening our planning casework.
Committee
Chair
Prof. Charles Martindale
Vice Presidents
Richard Green
Russell Jarvis
Secretary
Helen Riggs
Treasurer
Laurence Cunnington
Lecture Secretary
Historic Buildings Representative
Amelia Bircham
Communications Manager
Alyssa Myers
Iestyn Davies MBE
President
Charitable Trustees
Helen Riggs
Moira Fulton
Prof. Charles Martindale
Vicky Harrington
Laurence Cunnington
Sophie Pearson
Russell Jarvis
Dr Jemima Hubberstey
Amelia Bircham
Dr Paula Martin
Alexandra Carr
Opportunities
Committee Vacancies – 2026
Chair
The York Georgian Society is seeking a dedicated, diplomatic, and enthusiastic individual to join the Society as Chair. This is a key leadership position, guiding the strategic direction of the Society and supporting its mission to promote appreciation and understanding of Georgian architecture, art, history, and culture in York and beyond.
The Chairman will lead the committee, represent the Society publicly, and help strengthen its activities, partnerships, and membership base. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong leadership and communication skills, a passion for heritage, and a desire to contribute to the success of a respected local organisation.
For further information, please consult the role profile here.
To make an application, please email a CV and brief cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification to yorkgeorgians@gmail.com
Lecture secretary
The York Georgian Society is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual with a keen love of Georgian to join our team as Lecture Secretary. This role is central to delivering the Society’s annual lecture programme, which supports our mission to promote appreciation and understanding of Georgian architecture, art, history, and culture in York and beyond.
The Lecture Secretary will play a key part in developing our public events, liaising with speakers, and ensuring lectures run smoothly throughout the year. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with strong administrative skills, an interest in heritage, and a desire to support a respected local organisation.
For further information, please consult the role profile here.
This role comes with a £1000 honorarium, payable in two instalments (after 6 months and at the end of the year), payable in the first instance for a year, subject to an end-of-year review.
The individual appointed will be a Trustee and a voting member of the committee. .
To make an application, please email a CV and brief cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification to yorkgeorgians@gmail.com
Historic Buildings Representative
The York Georgian Society is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced heritage professional or caseworkers to join the committee as Historic Buildings Representative. This important role leads the Society’s engagement with planning casework, advocating for the protection, appreciation, and sensitive management of Georgian buildings and heritage across York and Yorkshire.
The Historic Buildings Representative will review planning applications, prepare responses on behalf of the Society, and work closely with external partners to uphold high standards in heritage conservation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest or background in architecture, planning, or heritage who is keen to support a respected local organisation and make a meaningful impact in preserving York’s Georgian legacy.
For further information, please consult the role profile here.
To make an application, please email a CV and brief cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification to yorkgeorgians@gmail.com