The builders of medieval York included Masons, glaziers, plumbers, plasterers, and tilers, and largest of all, the group who worked, variously described as carpenters, sawyers, joiners and carvers.  Of these, only four crafts became organised into Guilds: the Carpenters, the Masons, the Tile-thatchers, and the Plasterers.  These guilds came to an end in the early nineteenth century.

The York Guild of Building was founded in 1954 to encourage communication between the many different sections of the building industry.  It has as its objectives the advancement of design, management, science and craft in building and the encouragement of a better understanding of the problems and achievements of those engaged in building.

To further these objectives an annual programme of lectures, visits and social functions is produced.  Meetings are held in Bedern Hall and visits are arranged to places of general interest throughout the year.

Each year the Guild awards silver and bronze medals in the shape of its emblem to students attending York College, Construction Department, who have attained a high standard of work in their subject.

In addition, and commencing this year the Guild has decided to present an annual Craftsmanship Award to a selected person working in any trade or craft associated with the building industry whose work will be assessed by a panel of Guild members judging on the sole criteria of excellence.