Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODEEX TOEK. 133
fjotk tatttute of popular Ikience antf It'terature.
This admirable institution was established in 1 827. It is
situated in St. Saviourgate, and has, of late years, greatly
increased in numbers and strength. It comprises a large
and well selected library of popular literature and science,
to which several hundred members have access, at a sub
scription so moderate as to be within the reach of every
working man. Suitable lectures are frequently given, and
are very well attended. Classes in arithmetic, French,
grammar, writing, drawing, &c.—conducted gratuitously,
are connected with the institute; and, in the summer
months, scientific excursions are made by the members
and their friends ; and a winter tea party takes place an
nually. The York institute is in connection with the West
riding union of Mechanics' Institutes.
|>ork J?uI)scriptton Hturara.
This library was instituted in 1794; and in 1836, was
removed to the fine and capacious rooms now occupied
in St. Leonard's place. The library consists of about
1 7,000 volumes, among which are many works devoted to
the history of this city and county. It is the property of
about 500 members, admitted by ballot, paying an entrance
fee, and annual subscription.
The two principal news rooms of York, are the gentle
man's Club-room, Blake-street, and York subscription news
room, St. Helen's square. They are both well supplied
with metropolitan and provincial journals.
YORK CASTLE.
The area of the walls of York Castle and the buildings
included within them, is nearly four acres in extent. Th»
present Castle is a building of great strength, being put
into complete repair, between 1821 and 1836; when a
massy gateway of hewn stone, somewhat like Monk bar,
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