Well found... I hesitate to write the following in case the words become the subject of a Gordon song as to it being a myth. The house came into being by the same family that gave us a portion of our harbour, and our town paving slabs, as well as Newlyn St Peters. York House was built 1824/5, it being completed by his nephew John Pope Vibert, in 1825. It was the place for one of Penzance's gayest parties 10th January 1854, held by Col John Morgan and Mrs Ley, with 100 guests, Col John's party piece was to divest himself of regimental uniform and to dress as an Indian beggar, soliciting alms from all undetected.
Henry Pope (born 1751 at Camelford) had much business in Bristol and had gone to America as a young man, he became a wealthy man, and thus becoming an old man, returned to England and settled in Penzance. The house he commenced was little more than a cottage; but Rev C Le Grice said 'it was quite a mistake as there could be little doubt the house should be called The Vatican' (not York House). Henry Pope died 15th April 1827. The crenellations seen now are those of his nephew's design.
