A Little History

Georgina’s is privileged to be located in one of the UKs most beautiful historic cities, in a 400 year-old building, on a street that was walked by Roman Legions, Danish warriors, and Norman Knights.

As one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe, York offers almost two thousand years of history in an almost uniquely small area. Within about a square mile or two the visitor can enjoy evidence of British history from the Vikings to the Wars of the Roses, and from York’s world-renowned cathedral to the whole history of railways.

Georgina’s home – 71, Low Petergate, as it is now called – was built sometime in the 16th century – almost certainly replacing an earlier wooden structure that may have been of Saxon origins.

In recent times it has always been a retail outlet but, in the early 18th century it was the home, and possibly housed the printing firm, of one Thomas Gent, the newspaper proprietor, book publisher and author.

In the modern setting of Georgina’s our customers can still see a fragment of a plaque, with his name on it, in the oak-beamed room that now bears his name. We also have on show a replica copy of one of his books.