York
You don’t have to be an archaeologist to dig York! Just spend a few days in this charming city to uncover its historical treasures.
The Romans
The Romans first discovered its strategic importance and built a fort (Eboracum) housing 600 legionnaires. Visit the statue of Constantine the Great just outside the Minster and go underground at ‘The Roman Bath’ public house to see the original baths.
With the decline and fall of the Roman Empire (c410AD) the Anglo Saxons governed over a ‘golden age’ before they were rudely awoken by the arrival of Ivar the Boneless and his Vikings from Denmark.(c860AD)
The Vikings
Reknowned for their ferocity, they overran the Saxons and settled in the city building their own houses and workshops. Excavations carried out in 1967 revealed these buildings and 40000 artefacts. The Jorvik Centre was opened on this site and you can ‘go back in time’ to visit Viking York and its inhabitants.
The Normans
After only 200 years in charge, the Vikings were evicted by the arrival of William the Conqueror from France. (1066 and all that) He re-built the fortress and ordered Thomas of Bayeux to construct a new church – the gothic Cathedral of St Peter (York Minster) Completed in 1080 AD and the largest cathedral north of the Alps , it is not to be missed!
Around the same time , they built Clifford’s Tower. It was burned down twice before being re-constructed together with the existing City Walls between the 12th and 14th centuries. Walking the walls is must-do! Visit the famous Bars or gates (Micklegate, Bootham, Monkbar) and experience a panoramic view of the Minster.
Medieval York
The walls protected a growing medieval town and you can walk along the ancient streets of The Shambles, Whip-ma-Whop-ma-Gate, Stonegate and High Petergate – all leading to the iconic Minster. (Tip: view the Minster and the red roofs of York from the 3rd floor of Marks and Spencer) The narrow streets can be explored in the daytime (visit Barley Hall and the Merchants Adventures Hall) or at night in the form of one of the famous Ghost Walks.
Victorian York and the Railways
York changed again with the advent of the Railways in the 19th Century. George Stephenson
(of ‘The Rocket’ fame) was the engineer responsible for the first station in 1837 and this was replaced in 1877 by the present York Railway Station – a monument to the industrial revolution.
The importance of York’s railway heritage was recognised by the opening of the National Railway Museum in 1975.It displays a fantastic collection of over 100 historic locomotives which attracts both young and old.
Modern York
The railways made York accessible to millions and good road and air links have helped to develop it as one of the most important tourist centres in the world. As well as the historical timeline tour, you can go shopping, visit York Races, take a Boat Trip on the River Ouse , explore the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens and Castle Museum, fly high at the Yorkshire Air Museum – and after all that you can seek refreshment in the many quality cafes and restaurants. (approx 500 words)
A weekend break in York is perfect at any time of year. Here are a few hotels we’d recommend
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
