Tourist information -
York
York (England) (ancient Eboracum) is a city in North Yorkshire, northern England, at the confluence of the Ouse and Foss rivers. It is an industrial and transportation center, with agricultural markets. Its varied manufactures include chemicals, railroad equipment, scientific instruments, and chocolate; tourism is also important to the city's economy. In York are many medieval architectural landmarks, of which the most prominent is the Cathedral of Saint Peter, popularly known as York Minster. Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and contains more medieval glass than does any other church in England. The medieval city is encircled by well-preserved walls (largely 14th century), which contain four of the main fortified gates, or bars. Remains of two Roman towers may also be seen. Among the city's notable museums is the Jorvik Viking Center, opened in 1984, which preserves artifacts from the Danish period. The University of York was established in 1963. An annual arts festival is held here.
In the 1st century AD the site was occupied by the Romans, who named it Eboracum and turned it into one of the most important military fortresses in Roman Britain. Here the Roman emperors Lucius Septimius Severus and Constantius I died, and Constantine the Great was proclaimed (306) emperor. The town was made the capital of the Anglian kingdom of Northumbria in the 7th century. York became an episcopal see about 625, and by the 8th century it was renowned as a center of learning. Conquered by the Danes in 867, it later became a vassal state of the West Saxons. During the Middle Ages, York was a prosperous port and commercial center; its famous cycle of miracle plays was produced during this period. In 1644, during the English Revolution, York surrendered to the Parliamentarians after the Battle of Marston Moor nearby. Economic decline, caused by the loss of the wool trade, was arrested in the 19th century, when York developed as a rail center. The city suffered bombing damage during World War II. |
