The Multangular Tower and part of the walled Fort.
Exploring York with British Routes Holidays isn’t like any other tour. We will tell you a story of Invasion, discovery, war and revolutions, of the men and women who made York England’s second city for nearly 500 years!
The City is constantly evolving, built upon the foundations of one of the worlds longest lived, and most powerful Empires, that of Rome!
Did you know?
ANCIENT BRITISH TRIBES!
Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes tribe, ruled much of Northern England. She made a treaty with the Romans to her husband’s dismay. The fighting between her and her husband led to Roman Intervention and eventually, the founding of what would become York, in 71AD (CE).
ROMAN EMPERORS!
Five Roman Emperor’s graced York, known then as Eboracum. First came Hadrian, administration for his wall was run from Eboracum. Septimius Severus died in York in 211 CE (AD) after falling ill during his attempted invasion of Caledonia, (Scotland). Cara Calla, his Son, left York as Emperor and met with his brother Geta to consolidate their joint rule in Rome. Cara Calla later murdered his brother. Next came Constantius I (Chlorus), he died in York as well! Finally there was Constantine the Great, (pictured) proclaimed Emperor in York in 306 CE (AD), Find his statue near York Minster.
SAINTS!
St. Margaret Clitheroe, who became a saint in 1971, was caught hiding priests in the house opposite to her shrine on the Shambles, way back in the 16th Century! Mary Ward, connected to the Bar Convent, (pictured) was a pioneer for the education of Ladies in the 1500’s. The convent was built in secrecy as the Catholic faith was forbidden at the time!
HIDDEN ARCITECTURE IN PLAIN SIGHT!
The Elm Bank hotel on Tadcaster Road was built in 1870. Its interiors are a treat, full of Art Nouveau glass and painted walls by Walton, these are in Pre-Raphaelite style. If you get a chance to stay here or just pop in for a drink, you’ll not be disappointed.
CAPITAL OF ENGLAND!
During the Scottish Wars of Independence, Edward I made York capital for nearly 7 years. He moved the treasury, courts of Justice and Parliament from Westminster to York.
York Castle (Pictured) was where the coins were minted and where the army stayed.
GHOSTS!
Capital of England, the nations second city, the most complete medieval walled city surviving in England…But beneath your feet there are at least 5 skeletons per person living, being one of the most haunted cities in Europe means York has many types of Spirits to discover!
FAMOUS PEOPLE!
Dick Turpin, Guy Fawkes, Poet WH Auden to actress Dame Judy Dench, from slavery abolitionist William Wilberfoss to the ‘The Railway King’ George Hudson, from comedian Frankie Howerd to the first gay Marriage between Anne Lister and Anne Walker. Yorks Blue plaques and history makers can tell you a story in themselves.
CHOCOLATE!
Fry, Cadbury, Terry (Factory pictured), Rowntree, Craven…Some of the famous names who would shape York and Britain’s’ Chocolate history. From the Chocolate Orange to the Kit Kat, if you have a sweet tooth York’s chocolate history is for you.
TWO WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL!
Two Royal weddings happened in York Minster, the first in 1327 when Edward III married Phillipa of Hainault. The second in 1961 when Queen Elizabeth II first cousin, Katherine Worsley married the Duke of Kent. The one royal burial in the Minster is that of William Hatfield (1336-46) the second son of Edward III. There is a memorial dedicated to him but his location within the Minster is unknown.
EXPLODING MYTHS!
Shooting Scots from the walls of York with bows and arrows is a bit of a myth, but possibly originates from Bootham Bar, the Gateway through which Scots would have to knock and gain permission to enter the city.
(Pictured. Micklegate Bar)
Myths, legends, facts and history, all blend into one sometimes! We are ready to take you on a memorable journey through time!