TWO York pubs have been given listed status to protect their rare interiors, which date back to the interwar years.

The Golden Ball, in Bishophill, and the Swan, in Bishopgate Street, are both now Grade II listed, after being nominated to English Heritage by Dave Gamston of York, who sits on Camra’s (The Campaign for Real Ale) national pub heritage group.

He said the pubs were of national importance, because their interiors – remodelled in the 1920s and 1930s – were virtually intact.

Only one other York pub was of equal importance, the Blue Bell in Fossgate, and that was already listed.

He said listing meant that the local authority planners’ hands would be greatly strengthened if any attempt was made in future to alter or destroy the interiors. Until now, there had been very little protection from alterations.

He said the listing by the Government came about after a Yorkshire regional inventory of pub interiors was drawn up by Camra in 2008, and organisations including English Heritage were consulted.

“English Heritage were prepared to look for new listings and invited us to submit listing applications from the national inventory.”

Paul Crossman, landlord of The Swan, said it dated back to the 19th century but the interior was re-fitted in 1936 and had changed little since then, with a drinking lobby corridor, a public bar at the front and a smoke room at the back.

He welcomed the listing, which would ensure its character was preserved for the future.

Dave Foster, landlord of the Golden Ball, which is The Press’ Overall Pub Of The Year, said it was a “proper corner house boozer,” with separate snug, garden bar, public bar and beer garden. While the pub dated back to the early 1800s, the interior had been remodelled in 1929, and that remained virtually intact today.