York, North Yorkshire

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York

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The history of York spans a turbulent 2000 years. It was founded on its present day site by the Romans in AD71. Recognising a good military strong point at the juncture of the Rivers Foss and Ouse, they created the Roman Fortress of Eboracum. The construction of new roads around the fortress encourages a civilian population and by the 4th century, Eboracum was one of the leading cities of the Roman Empire. Visited by several Roman Emperors, it was here, on the site of the present Minster, that Constantine the Great was allegedly proclaimed Emperor.

The headquarters of the Roman Legions were also situated on the site of the Minster, as recent excavations have proved: A Roman pillar discovered these excavations has been re-erected and now stands near the Minster’s South Entrance. The two main streets of the Roman fortress, the Via Principalis and Via Praetoria, are situated under the modern day streets of Petergate and Stonegate. Excavations have led to the discovery of Roman artefacts, and many of these can be seen in the Yorkshire Museum. The withdrawal of the Romans in the 5th century signalled the onslaught of invasions by the Anglo-Saxons. Under King Edwin, Eboracum became known as Eoferwic and developed as a centre of religion and learning which was famous throughout Europe during the 8th century. The Vikings The tranquillity of Eoferwic was to be shattered a century later however when it was raided and subsequently captured by the Vikings. Renamed Jorvik, it was from this that York derived its present day name.

Further modern day evidence of the Viking influence is apparent in York’s streets or ‘gates’: ‘gate’ being the Old Norse term for street. Little has been written about this era, but excavations have revealed buildings and objects which have helped to construct an idea of life in Viking Jorvik. The modern day visitor can sample the recreated world of the Vikings in the Jorvik Viking Centre, under the Coppergate precinct. The end of the Viking era came in 1065 to 66 when a rebellion of local earls was quickly followed by the Norman Conquest IN 1066. But Rebellion against the new rulers quickly surfaced and it was during this time that the Norman’s built castles on what is now the present site of Clifford’s Tower, the only remnants of a 13th Century castle.

During the Norman era, York developed as an ecclesiastical centre. Forty parish churches were built and the rebuilding, on a grand scale, or York Minster began. It’s the largest Medieval Gothic church in England, and has seen a number of fires throughout the centuries. The most recent was in 1984 after the south transcept was struck by lightening. City Walls and Bars The construction of city walls on the existing earth bank also began in the mid 13th century. These walls stretching for nearly three miles around the city are still standing today and are a major part of York’s lasting charm and appeal. They were built to protect the city and entry could only be gained through medieval gateways or ‘bars’. Approaching York from the South, the Kings of the Middle Ages would enter the City by the Micklegate Bar, and, raising their heads above the Norman arch to the tops of the twin towers they might have seen the heads of traitors impaled on spikes.

Bootham Bar and Walmgate Bar are still in existence, as is Monk Bar, still retaining a portcullis which can be lowered to block the road. The carved men at the top are holding stones, ready to drop on the enemy’s head, giving the impression of a powerful defence.

It was during the Middle Ages that York saw its greatest development, the Minster was completed and there was a huge growth in the number of friarages and priories. York’s expansion as a trading centre continued with the increased growth in the export of wool. Each trade had its own street, and the traders themselves formed into Guilds in order to protect their members’ interests. The most prosperous of these, the Guild of Merchant Adventurers, built a Hall in the mid 14th century and is still in use today.

The Shambles (see video clip) is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. Formerly known as ‘Fleshammels’ or ‘Street of the Butchers’, you can still see the benches and hooks used by the shopkeepers. The overhang of the buildings ensured that for the greater part of the day the carcasses were shaded from the sun. In fact, some of the upper storeys lean so close that you could shake hands across the street! At numbers 14 & 15 lived Margaret Clitherow, the Butcher’s wife. She died a horrible death in 1586 for the crimes of saying mass and offering refuge to priests, when both of these activities were illegal. She was later canonised by the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Margaret of York.

York had reached its zenith in medieval times and this is reflected in the fine examples of medieval architecture still remaining. Its position as the major English centre for glass painting is evident in the fantastic windows of the Minster and other ecclesiastical centres. It was after this time that York began a general period of decline. Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries was disastrous for York, which as an ecclesiastical centre employed many people.

It wasn’t until the Georgian era that York began to have a change in fortune, and is now renowned for its wealth of Georgian architecture. Of particular interest if Fairfax House, which contains classic 18th century furniture, ornaments and décor. York’s diversity as a city allows it to offer a full range of interests for the potential visitor. From ‘Ghost Walks’, visiting the haunted parts of the city, to museums covering every era of York’s history. The city’s development as a tourist centre in the past 20 to 30 years has been assisted by the essential character of the city. The atmosphere created by the ancient walls, architecture and the rich tapestry make York what it is today. And as King George V said, "The history of York is the history of England".

York is featured on our 55-minute video Picture Postcard Yorkshire, and can be purchased on line. Click here to find out more.

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