Sites of York

"The history of York is the history of England" - George VI

The Romans founded the City in AD43 and during their occupation lasting 250 years it became one of the most important towns in Britain. The Vikings and the Normans added their influence and today it is a bustling city combining the old and the new.

This long history is preserved in its marvelous buildings with the awesome Minster, housing 80% of the stained glass in Britain, being its jewel. The National Railway Museum, Castle Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre are some of the superb attractions making York an all year round resort. Evening entertainment is provided by three theatres, ghost walks and cinemas.

The countryside north of York boasts two National Parks with numerous heritage sites which include Fountains Abbey, Rievauix Abbey, Beningbrough Hall and Whitby (home of Captain Cook).

The Minster

It is a cathedral containing the Archbishop's 'cathedra' or throne. The first Minster was 7th century: the present one is the fourth on the site. It is the largest medieval structure in the United Kingdom. Archbishop de Grey began the great building about 1220. Stage by stage the work proceeded until finally, in 1472, the Minster was complete. Among the Minster's many treasures are its 128 windows of stained glass, dating from the 12th to the present century.

The Walls
York's first walls were Roman. Substantial fragments of these still remain but it is the medieval walls, carefully maintained and restored, which now encircle the old city, almost three miles round. The earth ramparts on which they stand were raised by the Romans and the Anglo-Danish kings of York. The Normans strengthened them. They are now planted extensively with daffodils.

The Bars

Gateways let you in but they can also 'bar' your way and often, in York's turbulent past, that was the thing which counted most. Bootham Bar (pictured at right) is the defensive bastion for the North road. On the road South is Micklegate Bar, traditionally the monarch's entrance, where traitors' heads were displayed. Monk Bar has kept a portcullis in working order, while Walmgate Bar is the only town gate in England to have preserved its barbican.

Stonegate

A number of York's streets have names ending in 'gate', the Vikings' word for 'street'. But Stonegate existed long before the Vikings came: it was the 'Via Praetoria' to the main gate of the old Roman fortress. Stonegate is kept free of all traffic so that its rich medley of medieval and Georgian architecture may be enjoyed in peace and at leisure. An ancient thoroughfare has become the most delightful of shopping streets.

St. William's College

The college was built about 1465 for the Minster Chantry priests but after its original purpose had lapsed, it had varied uses, among them that of Royal Mint and printing house for Charles I in the Civil War. It is now used for meetings but the upper floor, which has many interesting features, is open to the public.

Guildhall and River

Two rivers meet at York; the Ouse and the Foss. The Ouse, at one time tidal here, enabled the city to become a great port and trading center. The 15th century hall was virtually destroyed in an air raid in 1942. It has been expertly restored and the interior contains some splendid carving. The adjoining Inner Chamber escaped destruction and may also be viewed.