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The Architecture of York

York has been described as one of the most beautiful and finest historic cities in England. The Saxons knew it as Eoforwick. The Romans called it Eboracum. The invading Vikings named it Jorvik. The more recent history of York also gives the city a unique character—the Minster, medieval architecture, the Georgian town houses, as well as its wonderful and majestic Victorian railway station. All these architect designed buildings were created to last for centuries - no need for professional indemnity insurance from piihub.co.uk here!

Ancient and Medieval History

Within the ancient walls that encircle York, medieval buildings and streets have been beautifully preserved. The City’s historic heart is largely free of traffic, which makes it clean, quiet, and a very pleasant place to stroll around, whether night or day.

Two of York’s most elegant, Petergate and Stonegate, are still running along the very same routes just like they did some 2,000 years ago, then known as Via Principalis and Via Praetoria. At that time, they led to the grand Roman headquarters, once occupying the site where today the vast gothic Minster stands, dominating over the city.

This magnificent and massive building took a quarter of a century to build and it was finally consecrated in the year 1472. The Minster holds the largest concentration of England’s medieval stained glass, which also includes the great east window. Measuring some 186 square metres, this window is estimated to be the biggest area of stained glass anywhere in the world.

Archaeological Treasure Trove

York is recognised globally as a rich archaeological treasure trove. One of the best recognised sites that attracts lots of visitors is the state-of-the-art JORVIK. Since the archaeological dig began way back in 1976, it continues to capture and sustain the imagination of the public.

In the dig, over 15000 objects has been recovered during the uncovering process of a complete Viking village that has workshops, latrines, wells and rubbish pits.

There is perhaps nothing more evocative of the medieval archaeological era of York than the narrow snickleways and streets that wind haphazardly across centre of the city. Today, you are going to find fashionable cafes and boutiques there.

Once Seen an Alternative to London

York was in the 18th century regarded as an elegant and attractive alternative by the monied classes to the City of London. Many of the York City’s remaining buildings and Georgian town houses are a strong reminder of that elegant manifestation.

The First York Railway Station

The first railway station in York was erected in 1839. The current structure dates from 1877 – and it was the largest in Europe when it opened. Therefore, the City is a natural home for the National Railway Museum. It is estimated that close to 500,000 visitors visit York Railway Station annually, enjoying lavish exhibitions, interactive displays and over 100 engines.

Chocolate Heritage

York City is home to several big brands in the chocolate industry and their evolution is deeply intertwined with its industrial development and social history. This is celebrated in the City’s buildings, artwork, fashion, Railways and the famed Vikings.

York Today

Today York is a fashionable city, successfully blending its rich heritage and superb historic archaeological designs with smart restaurants, cafes and bars, sophisticated designer shops, to attract global tourists.

Visitors to York soon come to find out that every aspect of the City’s modern life has an intricate link with the past. The popular evening entertainment spots includes taking ghost walks across the shadowy ginnels and snickleways of the City to locate haunted pubs – of which York has many....

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