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York is regarded by many as one of the most interesting medieval cities in Europe.  The city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century as an outpost for staging the Empire's expansion in the British Isles.  Known as Eboracum to the Romans, the city quickly became an important military base.  When the Roman Emperor Constantius died in Eboracum in the 4th century, his son Constantine I, who would later move the capital of the Roman Empire east to Byzantium, was proclaimed the new ruler of the Empire by his father's troops.

When the Roman Empire declined, York was captured by the Saxons.The Saxons, in turn,  were then pushed out by the Vikings, who named the city Jorvik, the basis for its modern name of York. The city's culture and leadership changed once again after the Norman victory at the Battle of Hasting in 1066. In Medieval times, York became an important center for government and trading.   Today's city reflects the mix of conquerors and aspects of each of these cultures can be seen within the city's walls.

During Medieval times, the city prospered and defensive wall were built to protect its citizens and their wealth.  The wall included several gates, known as the "Bars", which  were used to controlled access to the city in times of danger.  The medieval walls are still intact and are one of the many highlights of a visit. They are approximately three miles long, but do not form a complete ring around the city. Walking these walls is a wonderful way to see the many historic buildings of York.

Old Town York is surrounded by walls and several  "Bars" or gateways.  The photograph above shows one the arrow slits above one of the gateways overlooking a road into the city.	.	A section of the medieval walls that surround the Old Town Section of York. The wall are three miles in length and are open to the public.

If you are looking for a place out of  medieval England, the streets within the walled town are just the place for you. Be sure to walk the Stonegate (one of the oldest streets in the city) and the Shambles (the old meat market of the city that features narrow streets faced with medieval structures). Pubs and restaurants are common, so rest assured, there will be a place to plop when you are tired of touring.

The most notable attraction in York is the York Minster, the city's venerable cathedral that is the largest Gothic church in England.  Construction started in the early 13th century and continued for over two hundred years. York has taken great care of the Minster and it is an attraction that should not be missed.

The view from the nave towards the West.  The West Window is magnificent and dates from the mid-14th century.		The York Minster dominates the city,  The two towers on west end of the Minster contains the bells that chime the time.

The cathedral was built on a Roman ruin (the crypt contains Roman columns), as well as on the foundation of an church dating from the 8th century .  The building consists of two large towers on the west end and a massive tower in the center. An octagonal Chapter House attached to the north transept is exceptionally beautiful.  The pulpitum, which separates the choir from the nave and the east end of the Minster, is highly decorative. Located behind the altar in the nave, it is a showy piece that includes statues of the kings of ancient England facing the worshippers.

The Minster contains some very fine stained glass (photos to the right), some old, some recent but all beautiful.  The glass in most of the windows was removed during World Wars I and II, so that it could be safely stored during these conflicts. 

The  Minster is a large and detailed cathedral.  A tour that does it justice, take some time.  Be sure to purchase one of the brochures describing the interior of the Minster, as there are many important details in this cathedral.

Information for visiting

For more information on the York Minster, visit the website of the Dean & Chapter of York.  The site contains a detailed information and is located at http://www.yorkminster.org/.

Another site, The Presst, provides information on  York's many attractions and details on locations and hours of operation.  The site is located at  http://www.thepress.co.uk/tourism/whattosee/whattosee/  

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