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The National Trust

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Brief History of Norwich

Welcome to York

York,enriched by ancient walls,its heart yhe historic stone Minster,is loved by visitors from around the world. This small city, bulit up layer by layer since Roman times by successive communities, has a rich history. As you walk the narrow streets with their evocative names,you'll discover liillte alleways and connecting passages, known as snickltways,enticing you to explore further..For a wider view you can walk the city walls. The historic beauty is matched by 21st century comforts-shops,theatres,cinemas,galleries, bookshops,pubs ,restaurants and cafes.York is not a large sity and visitors soon find their way around,enjoying both the ancient and the modern side- by- side.

York Minister

The minister,built of pale limestone,with its three great towers,dominates the city of York. From vantage points on the city walls to glimpses all around the narrow streets,the great Gothic cathedral,built to rival that of Canterbury,is with you whereever you walk. Several churches have stood here since AD 627,but the foundation of what we see today were laid by Archbishop Walter de Grey in 1220.He died in 1255 and you can see his tomb in St Michael's Chapel in the graceful south transept, the first section of the cathedral to be completed. The work continued for almost 250 years.

The National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum, which tells the story of the railways since the 19th century and displays the Flying scotsman and other iconic locomotives,is the lure for many who visit York. The museum is behind Yorks Railway station,itself a well-oreserved example of elegant Victorian architecture.The newest attraction in this area is the Yorkshire Wheel- opened in 2006.

Yorkshire Wheel

With its 42 air-conditioned pods slowly rising tp 60 metres (198 feet) in to the sky,York's newest attraction,opened in 2006,gives a different perspective on the city.It's situated in the grounds of the National railway Museum at the end of Leeman Road.

Micklegate Bar

This rectangular gatehouse,topped by three storeys,was the most important of York's gateways. Even today,Her Majesty the Queen has to stop at Micklegate Bar to ask permission from the Lord Mayor before she may enter the city.It's where the served heads of traitors were skewered on pikestaffs and displayed from the roof of the bar to be pecked by crows and magpies. They were often left to rot for as long as eight to nine years.A small museum tells the story.

Medieval York

Howard Peach
£12.99
Now £10.39

The Lost Prince: The Survival of Richard of York

David Baldwin
£20.00
Now £16.00

Vol.3: Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire

General editors: Peter Summers & John E Titterton
£14.99
Now £11.99

The History Press