York
York is one of the most historic cities in England, and one of the most enquired about by visitors from abroad.
The city stands in the middle of Yorkshire, where the River Foss joins the River Ouse.
The Romans built a fortress here in 71 A.D., and this grew into an important city which they called Eboracum.
The Emperor Constantius died in York, and his son Constantine the Great was immediately proclaimed Emperor here.
There was a Viking kingdom based at York in the 10th century. The Vikings called the city Jorvik.
For several centuries thereafter York was recognised by all as the capital of the North.
York Minster is one of Europe's grandest cathedrals, containing England's largest concentration of mediaeval stained glass. The Minster took two and a half centuries to build, and was completed in 1472.
The Archbishop of York is second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the hierarchy of the Church of England.
York is one of only a few cities to retain most of its mediaeval walls, built in the 13th century, and extending for three miles. There is a walkway on top of the walls for most of the circuit.
The old city is restricted to only the most necessary vehicles. Entry is gained through the major gates, Micklegate Bar, Bootham Bar, Monk Bar and Walmgate Bar.
There are many mediaeval churches in the City Centre, as well as the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey.
The Mansion House, built in the 1720s, is the only house in England which is still used solely as the Lord Mayor's official private residence.
The Shambles, with its picturesque timber framed houses, is one of the most photographed streets in England, and there are many other interestingly named streets, notably Whip-Ma-Whop-MaGate..
A major visitor attraction is the Jorvik Centre, where the sights, sounds and even smells of the Viking city are recreated.
Clifford's Tower is the keep of one of two Norman castles which formerly existed in York. Other attractions include the York Castle Museum, the Roman Multangular Tower, the ruins of St. Leonard's Hospital, the mediaeval Merchant Adenturers' Hall, and a small museum devoted to Richard III.
York has an impressive railway station, appropriately as George Hudson, the Railway King, came from York. Nearby is the National Railway Museum.
Boat trips can be taken along the River Ouse.
The notorious outlaw Dick Turpin was hanged at the Knavesmire (now the racecourse) and is buried in a churchyard in York.
York has been officially recognised as the Most Haunted City in Europe.
The city is famous as a centre for confectionery manufacture. Terry's, Rowntree's and Craven's all started their operations here.
Among the people born in York are Alcuin, scholar in Anglo-Saxon times; W. H. Auden, poet; John Barry, composer; St. Margaret Clitherow, Catholic martyr; Miles Coverdale, Bible translator; Judi Dench, actress; Guy Fawkes, Gunpowder Plot conspirator; Joseph Aloysius Hansom, inventor of the hansom cab; and Frankie Howerd, comedian.
In Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe", the hero is said to have been born at York.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around York for groups.
Events in York
Places in York
All Saints Church, North Street, All Saints Church, Pavement, Bar Convent Museum, Barley Hall, Bootham Bar, Castle Museum, City Walls, Cliffords Tower, Fairfax House, Holy Trinity Church, Jorvik Viking Centre, Mansion House, Merchant Adventurers Hall, Middlethorpe Hall, Monk Bar, National Centre for Early Music, National Railway Museum, Rowntree Park, St. Leonards Hospital, St. Martin le Grand Church, St. Marys Abbey, St. Michael le Belfrey Church, St. Saviour`s Church, St. Wilfrids Church, St. William`s College, The King`s Manor, The Shambles, The York Dungeon, Treasurer`s House, York Minster, York Station