York Historic Environment Record

A victorian villa named West Garth that was originally owned by the Russell family. From 1945 to 1970 it was the Godfrey Walker Children's Home that had moved there from West Bank Terrace. It became a hotel and in 1993 was bought by Marston's Brewery when it became a public house. It is the last of the four grand Victorian/Edwardian villas that were once seen along Acomb Road. It has been under threat of demolition and its loss would diminish the character of the area. It has great historic, aesthetic and community significance due to its use as a children’s home and and popular public house.

The first reference appears in 1889 in a directory of York occupied by Arthur Henry Russell, a local solicitor. The 1891 census records Arthur (48), wife Annie (38) and daughters Elizabth (15) and Mildred (12) and 5 female servants.

West Garth and neighbouring Shelly House were probably the work of the same architect (unknown) but varied in configuration reflecting the requirements of the owners.

Nominated for inclusion on the Local List of Heritage Assets.

NAA, 2017, Carlton Tavern HER ST (Unpublished document). SYO1982.