York
York is often referred to as the capital City of the north of England. Until the industrial revolution York was second in size of population and importance to London. Largely bypassed by the industrial revolution York has retained the links with its medieval past more than most places in England. You will find yourself captivated by the magical city of York, with its unique atmosphere. One of the most historic cities in Britain, York has 2000 years of history, which it unfolds for you in its streets, buildings and museums. York is a city where sight seeing is easy, most of the attractions lie within the city walls, the area is compact, yet nowhere else can you find so much history, a variety of architecture and heritage sites, so easily accessible.
The famous Ninth Roman Legion settled in the area in 71 AD, making it the capital of the Roman Empire’s northern territories. They named their headquarters Eboracum, thought to mean „a place of yew trees“. The fort became an important military and trading base, from which Hadrian carried out his campaigns in the north of the country. In 306 Constantine the Great was proclaimed emperor, the first Christian, and only emperor proclaimed in Britain. On Easter day in 627 Bishop Paulinus baptised King Edwin of Northumbria in a small purpose built chapel, the site of the first Minster of York.
After several attempts the Vikings captured the town in 866, and re-named it Jorvik, from which the name of York is derived. Although the Viking occupation of the city lasted less than a century their influence still remains in many of the street names, such as Goodramgate, Micklegate, Stonegate, and Swinegate, the word gate being the Norse for street.
The thirteenth century saw the building of York Minster (1220-1470) and the city walls. During the Middle Ages, York became the commercial capital of the north of England, its prosperity coming from the wool weaving and cloth trade, as well as its importance as an international port. At this time powerful guilds came in to being connected to the city’s woollen trade, who created the York Mystery Plays, now one of only four surviving such cycles. Based on the Bible, the plays tell the dramatic story of mankind’s spiritual journey from Creation to the Day of Judgement.
The Plantagenet Kings favoured York, and it was Edward III who first bestowed the title Duke of York on his son. A title which has been given to the second son of the monarch ever since.
As the religious capital of the north, York had many of its religious houses and churches destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries in Henry VIII’s reign, but York continued strong in its support of the Catholic cause.
Charles I established court in York during the Civil War; the famous Battle of Marston Moor (1644) took place outside the city, it is thought that York was saved from destruction, because Sir Thomas Fairfax a soldier in Cromwell’s army was a local man.
During the eighteenth century, York became a fashionable residential City, and with establishment of the railways renewed prosperity was brought to the city. This was largely due to the enterprise of „Railway King“ George Hudson, who was lord mayor in the 1830’s-40’s.Today, York like Birmingham, is another City whose prosperity in part comes from Chocolate, with the Terry and Rowntree-Nestle enterprise being based here. For many years York has been one of the UK’s major tourist destinations and the millions of people who visit it annually are an important source of income to the city.
The Medieval City Walls of York are almost three miles long and beautifully preserved. They have four gates or bars, the original gates to the city, today two of the gates house interesting museums. You can walk the entire length of the walls, which are open to the public daily.