In 1824, Yorkshire Fire & Life was founded in York and two years later created a logo featuring the York Minster. In addition to marketing insurance, the company was the city’s fire department for over 50 years. This Italianate building on Saint Helen’s Square became their headquarters in 1847. Yorkshire Insurance was acquired by General Accident in 1968. The building is now home to Harkers pub and restaurant, named after a lodging owned by Christopher Harker. Harker’s York Hotel was a prominent landmark on this square until 1929.
