York
Travel Guide > Europe > United Kingdom > England > York
Introduction
York is one of the most beautiful and historically important cities in the British Isles. The city was founded as Eboracum in AD 71 by the Romans and was made one of the two capitals of all Roman Britain. During this period influential historical figures, such as Constantine the Great, became associated with the city. The entire Roman Empire was governed from York for two years by Septimus Severus.
After the Angles moved in, the city was renamed Eoferwic, and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The Vikings captured the city in 866, renaming it Jórvík, the capital of a wider kingdom of the same name covering much of Northern England. Around the year 1000, the city became known as York.
Richard II wished to make York the capital of England, but before he could effect this he was deposed. After the Wars of the Roses, York housed the Council of the North and was regarded as the capital of the North. It was only during the 1660s that the political importance of the city began to decline. Nevertheless, York was the county town of Yorkshire, to which it lent its name. The Province of York is one of the two English ecclesiastical provinces, alongside that of Canterbury.
From 1996, the term City of York describes a unitary authority area which includes rural areas beyond the old city boundaries. The urban area has a population of 137,505, while the entire unitary authority has 184,900 people. Currently, the core of the city within the walls is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
- The York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
- Visitors are free to walk around The City Walls during the day, offering great elevated views of the city.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
By Train
York is one of the principal station on the east coast mainline from Edinburgh to London. Consequently it is very easily accessible from both north and south.
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Eat
Harvilles Restaurant: Art-deco steak and seafood restaurant located on Fossgate. http://www.harvilles.co.uk
Drink
Sleep
Budget
York YHA Hostel: Sitated in a Victorian house in spacious grounds, a short stroll along the river from the city centre. http://www.yha.org.uk
Mid-Range
Centro Serviced Self Catering Apartments in York :
Upscale
Work
Learn
The University of York (located on the outskirts of the city) is one of the most highly regarded in the country.
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