City of York – UK

We travelled to the UK on an overnight P&O ferry from Zeebrugge, a major port in Belgium and close to Brugge where we had been staying. The trip was very pleasant and fortunately the sea was very smooth. We arrived into the UK port of Kingston on Hull and caught a bus to the city of York. We then took off and explored this ancient city.

York is a walled city, situated on both the Rivers Ouse and Foss. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two thousand year history. These days York is one of England’s most beautiful historic cities. The Romans knew it as Eboracum. To the Saxons it was Eoforwick. The Vikings – who came as invaders but stayed on in settlements – called it Jorvik.

Within its ancient, encircling walls York’s medieval streets and buildings are beautifully preserved and the historic heart of the city is largely traffic-free, making it quiet, clean and very pleasant to stroll around, day and night.

One of the ancient entry gates to the city of York.

 

Part of the old city wall.

 

This magnificent Minster Cathedral took 250 years to build and was consecrated in 1472. It contains England’s greatest concentration of medieval stained glass, including the great east window which, measuring 186 square metres is thought to be the largest area of stained glass in the world. There is a lot of restoration work happening at the cathedral and there is an area where apprentices are trained in stone-masonry. There were displays of some of the work they are doing carving out new pieces for the restoration including new gargoyles.

We did walk this great city and discovered many of its treasures. One building we did enjoy was the National Trust’s - “Treasurers House” located close to York Minster. In the early days all Minster business was conducted here until the reign of Henry VIII when things changed dramatically. Sadly this building fell into disrepair until Frank Green rescued and restored it. Today it is well worth a visit.

The Treasurer's House, owned & maintained by the National Trust. 

 

One of the rooms at the Treasurer's House contains a collection of clothing, scarves, hats etc. for people to try on - this is one my efforts!

At the Treasurer's House!

 

On our second day in York it rained most of the day but we were keen to walk the ancient walls of this city. The wall goes almost around the old city and is in good condition and despite the rain we really did enjoy the walk.

We stayed at a really good B&B, Burton Villa Guest House. Our host was able to give us some good advice where to go and where to eat. We did really enjoy and old pub called the “Hole in the Wall” which was located just inside the old city gates.

Next stop near the Yorkshire Moors.