Walking through York and Two Thousand Years of History

The bathhouse was finished and ready for a mostOne of the wives of these butcher's was St
important visitor. The Legion was prepared withMargaret Clitherow who was martyred in 1586. You
armour polished. Flags fluttered in the breeze bearingneed to look out or you might miss a tiny shrine
the symbols of a mighty power. Into the city rodededicated to her memory.
Constantius Emperor of Rome. Alongside rides his sonJorvik Viking Centre
Constantine.It is well worth visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre
The journey is ill fated and Constantinus dies.where you can experience the sights, sounds and
Constantine is declared new Emperor of Imperialsmells of Viking York.
Rome and crowned. The year is 306 and the place isA superb series of reconstructions bring the world of
Eboracum, the great city known today as York.the Vikings to life. Experience archaeology in action
Constantine goes on to become the most influentialwith the simulated dig. Great fun for kids of all ages!
Roman Emperor in history. He converted toCastle Museum
Christianity and presided over the writing of theThe Castle Museum was originally a female and
Nicean Creed, which formed the basic religious dogmadebtors prison. Since 1935 it has been home to the
of the Christian world.collections of Dr. J. T. Kirk who donated them to the
York Minstercity of York. Here you can walk down a Victorian
The spot where Constantine was crowned can becobbled street complete with hansom cab or visit
found beneath York Minster. Walking into this colossalauthentic shop fronts displaying wares from the
space takes your breath away. As you strain yourperiod.
neck to see the high vaulted ceilings, you wonder atFor those interested in all things military, there is an
the people who built such awesome gothicimpressive collection of firearms, uniforms and medals.
structures.Children will be fascinated by the collection of
Those who began work on it would not live to see itchildren's toys.
completed 250 years later. You can spend hours hereKings Manor
looking at the stain glass windows and reading burialDating back to the sixteenth century, Henry V111
inscriptions or sitting in quiet reflection at theand Catherine Howard are likely to have stayed here.
dedication of the people who built such monumentsIt was the residence of the King's Council. Remains
to God.from the Tudor period still remain including an
The Shamblesimpressive fireplace. Today the building is part of the
A visit to the Shambles takes you to the oldest andUniversity of York.
most famous street in York. It is extremely narrowThe walled city of York has so much to offer with
and the houses are tightly packed together seeminghistorical landmarks at every turn. It is popular
to touch at the top. They seem to have been builtamongst tourists and gets very busy during the
for tiny people so watch your head when entering.summer months. If you plan to stay overnight, do
Look down for the original hooks used for cleaningbook somewhere to stay in advance. When I went, I
boots.ended up staying in a motorway hotel as literally
The word 'Shambles' originally means 'butcher' and ineverywhere was booked up!
medieval times the street was full of butchers' shops.