York

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Visit York

York

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  Local Authority 

What is it –  Free access, Town 

When is it from – Georgian, Medieval, Modern, Roman, Stuart, Tudor, Victorian

Situated at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, York is one of Britain’s most visited cities. The Romans established a garrison town there, Eboracum, which later became a military HQ and an administrative centre. The construction of Hadrian’s Wall was planned from York. Two emperors, Septimius Severus and Constantius I, died here and it was in York where Constantine the Great, who established the foundations of western Christendom, was proclaimed emperor in July 306 AD.

It was the capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria and one of Britain’s pre-eminent religious centres. It was where Paulinus converted King Edwin to Christianity in 627AD; the church he established developed into the York Minster we see today.

The Danes, who called it Jorvik, captured the city on 867 and it was one of their most important trading centres, chief city of a Viking kingdom until the mid-10th century. Chief city in the north of England, it was captured by William the Conqueror in 1067. He built a fortress there and it was a notable port and market town as well as a regional centre throughout the Middle Ages. Later, it became known for its industries – including chocolate.

So York is packed with history and there is no shortage of things to see and places to visit. The cathedral, York Minster, is the largest medieval cathedral in Britain and famous for its stained glass windows. The Castle Museum, close to the 14th C Clifford’s Tower, is deservedly known for its recreated historic streets and rooms. The Yorkshire Museum specialises in archaeology and natural history. The fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre is built on the site of the Danish town and a ride takes you through their excavated street. The Merchant Adventurer’s Hall is famous for its timber timberwork, the Treasurer’s House for its ghosts. Visitors love the Shambles, one of best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. York is also home to the National Railway Museum and was the birthplace of Guy Fawkes. But one of the best things to do – and unlike many things in York it doesn’t cost a penny – is to walk round its surviving city walls.

Shown in the photo: View of the Shambles and Minster; Clifford’s Tower; the Minster’s Chapter House.

 


Address
YO1 9SA 

More detail from ABAB
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