York is a walled city in North Yorkshire. It is approximately 200 miles north of London. The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD. In 866 AD, it was captured by the Vikings who stayed in York until 954.
City population: 195,000
County: North Yorkshire
Cities and towns nearby: Leeds, Harrogate, Doncaster
Access: The easiest way to get to York from London is by train. The train leaves from London King’s Cross station and takes about two hours. An advanced ticket costs around 50 pounds.
Places of interest
The Cathedral
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. York Cathedral was finished in the 1400s but has been restored many times throughout its history. It is a beautiful building with detailed carvings and statues both inside and outside the building.
Questions
Q1) What kind of cathedral is York Cathedral?
Q2) When was York cathedral finished?
(The answers are at the bottom of the page.)
The Shambles
This is a famous medieval street in York. It is very narrow and the buildings are very old. Some buildings are over 700 years old! It is a good place to buy some souvenirs. In the street there is a shrine to Saint Margaret Clitherow.
Questions
Q3) What is the name of the famous medieval street in York?
Q4) How old are some of the buildings?
The City Wall
Walking on the wall around the city is a great way to see York. It is divided up into sections with each section having a gate way called a ‘bar’. You can still see these bars today. This one is called Micklegate Bar. Cars now drive under it!
Questions
Q5) What surrounds the city of York?
Q6) What is a great way to see York?
Clifford’s Tower
This is all that remains of York castle. It is very historical. It was first built in 1068 by the Normans. It was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. It was used as a prison in the 15th and 16th centuries. The view from the top is fantastic.
Questions
Q7) What is Clifford’s Tower?
Q8) When was it built?
Did you know? York is also know as Jorvik. Jorvik is its Viking name.
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Answers
A1) York cathedral is a gothic cathedral.
A2) York cathedral was finished in the 1400s.
A3) The famous medieval street in York is called the Shambles.
A4) Some of the buildings are 700 years old.
A5) A wall surrounds the city of York.
A6) Walking along the wall is a great way to see the city of York.
A7) Clifford’s Tower is all that remains of York castle.
A8) It was built in 1068 by the Normans.
