History of York

York is said to be one of the most captivating cities in England, and no other English city can match Yorks layers of history, beauty and sheer diversity. The beautifully preserved walled city has seen more than 2,000 years of exciting history. One of the most intriguing cities in the world, visitors can see evidence of the many different cultures that have ruled the area. King George VI once commented, The history of York is the history of England. This was not an overstatement. Romans, Saxons, Vikings and Normans have all been in control of the city. Battles that played a role in determining the destiny of the entire nation were fought here, and its diverse range of architectural and cultural remnants is unique in Britain.

The Romans

York started out as a fortress, constructed by the Roman 9th Legion in 71 AD for a crusade against the Brigantes tribe. It developed into a key city, then known as Eboracum. At the height of Roman power, the fortress covered 50 acres and housed a battalion of 6,000 soldiers. A civilian town grew up and Eboracum developed into one of the leading cities of the Roman Empire. This was where Constantine the Great, who later established Constantinople, was crowned Roman Emperor in 306 AD.

Vikings and Normans

The name York, derived from Jorvik or Yorwik, was given the city by the Vikings during their brief time in power. Norman rule lasted much longer and it was this tribe which made the city a very important hub of government, commerce and religion for the north of England. Their efforts set the city up well for its key role in the reign of the Plantaganet Kings, and the Domesday Book census of 1086 showed that half of York was owned by the King, and the other half by influential Normans. When this era ended in 1485, the Tudor age began and York was at its peak.

Modern times

It was not until the 18th century that York developed into a fashionable resort and centre boasting Georgian elegance that added to its architectural and historical sights. In the century that followed, the Industrial Revolution and the arrival of the railway marked the beginning of a new era of development and prosperity. York has come a long way since the Thatcher era. Redevelopment has carried on, changing industry. This has attracted people from across the world to this region. Tourists flock to York all year round, and the city is also home to one of the best universities in the country.