Escheat

Situated a stones throw from the Minster, The Saracens Head Hotel has a rich history.

King Charles I stayed there in 1646 before putting himself under the care of the Scottish presbyterians, who later betrayed him handing him over to  Oliver Cromwell's parliamentarians. 

The hotels website also mentions it acquired constitutional status on 20th October 1396, it's echeat made by Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of York, during the reign of Richard II. 

King Louis III's ambassador , Byron and Charles Dickens are also said to have stayed there.

It also saw use as Court Baron (ie manorial)  for the Archbishop of York, as Court for the Enclosure Commissioners and the Land Tax Commissioners. Also as a coaching inn for the Manchester to Newark stagecoach
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Escheat is a remnant of English land law and its feudal traditions, whereby assets are determined to pass to the Crown (or in some cases, the Duchies of Cornwall or Lancaster).
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The dogs are only interested in having a good sniff!