THE public have the chance to decide the future use of historic rooms occupied by an internationally renowned York barrister for nearly half a century.

The National Trust is asking for ideas about what it should do with the empty spaces at Treasurer’s House, near the Minster.

Staff have put blackboards in each room and are asking visitors to chalk up what they think the rooms should be used for.

Until now, the rooms have not been on the visitors’ route, even though the centuries-old building, is among the major attractions of York.

Gilbert Gray QC lived in the rooms as a tenant for 40 years before dying in April this year. At the time of his death he was head of York Chambers.

Charlotte Pickup, house manager for the National Trust building, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for a house like this and we want the public to play a part in the decisions we make. Because the rooms are currently empty, they really are a blank canvas so we’re encouraging our visitors to explore and be creative.”

Built in medieval times for the Minster’s treasurers, the house’s last private owner was Yorkshire industrialist Frank Green, who lived in it from 1897 until he handed it over to the National Trust in 1930. He carried out restoration on the building, and when he relinquished ownership, he put studs in the floor to mark where every piece of furniture should stay.

Charlotte said: “Although Frank Green was incredibly fastidious, he was pioneering in offering access to his collection for the public and I think he would have loved to see people visiting this once hidden area.

Visitors can look round the rooms for inspiration and give their ideas on the blackboards on the wall as part of a normal visit. Comments and ideas will be put on the Treasurer’s House blog treasurershouseyork.blogspot.com, which will be updated weekly.”