Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODERN YORK.
1S9
site of the church of St. Wilfrid. It has a double flight
of steps in front, and before it is a court, laid out with
grass and shrubs.
Sfectrrtjli) Booms.
The foundation stone of these rooms was laid on the
first of March, 1 730, near the site of the ancient church
of St. Wilfrid, Blakc-strcct, which, in 1 585, was united
to Belfrey's. The building was designed by the earl of
Burlington, to whom Drake dedicated his Eboracum, and
was erected at an expense of £5000, subscribed by a
limited number of shareholders. The Egyptian hall,
which is the principal room, forms a very splendid ball
room, and is 112 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 40 feet
high. In this hall the principal concerts are given and
county balls are held. In 1828, the present entrance in
Blake-street, was erected. It is a very chaste and elegant
design, presenting a portico of four Ionic columns, with a
pediment.
Jtotioal Concert Boom.
This Concert Room is situated in Lcndal, from which
there is an entrance, and communicates with the Assembly
Rooms by large folding doors. The foundation stone of
this spacious structure was laid on the 28th July, 1 824,
by William Dunsley, Esq., Lord Mayor. The principal
object of its projectors, was to afford accommodation to
persons anxious to attend the evening concerts of the
Yorkshire musical festivals ; as the Assembly Rooms
were not large enough to contain all those who sought
admittance. The room is 05 feet long, 60 feet broad, and
45 feet high, exclusive of the orchestra. It can accom
modate 2000 persons ; and the orchestra is prepared for
144 performers. There is a gallery at the end of the
room, opposite the orchestra, twenty feet deep. The
Festival Concert Room is used upon ordinary occasions
for concerts, balls, and public meetings. The cost of
erection was between four and five thousand pounds ; but