Date:
12 June 2009
The city of York is situated where the rivers Ouse and Foss join together and is situated in the area of England known as North Yorkshire. Throughout its history the city has been a backdrop to many major political events of England and was founded by the Romans back in AD71.
Today for anyone visiting or even staying in this wonderful city there is plenty for them to see and do. Below we take a look at just some of the attractions that this historic as well as beautiful city now has to offer to those who choose to spend time in it. if you decide to stay in North Yorkshire, there are many places and holiday homes to choose from.
1. York Minster
Situated in the heart of this city it is world famous for and took 250 years to complete. The actual building of this artistic and architectural masterpiece took place between 1220 and 1470 and today offers visitors many things to see.
The Minster is situated on a very prominent site and has over the centuries been to many major events in the city’s life. It was here that the Roman Emperor Constantine began on his road to becoming the leader of the Roman Empire and where the local Saxon King was baptized by St Paulinus. It is here also that one can see the burial grounds of the many Archbishops who have governed such as St William of York.
2. Jorvik Viking Centre
For those visiting this city for the first time then making sure that you make time to visit this attraction is important. Today this has now become one of the most popular attractions outside of London that visitors to the UK like to spend time at. In fact during the past 25 years more than 15 million visitors have been welcomed by those who run this attraction.
The great thing about this particular attraction it offers you the chance to journey back in time to see what life was like in this area of the UK when the Vikings were here. The Viking Street you wandered down has been reconstructed to resemble what one would have looked like back in AD975. Plus whilst you wander around don’t be too astounded when you do come face to face with a “Viking”.
3. Yorkshire Museum
This is one of England’s first purpose built museums and in 1831 the first meeting of the British Association for the Advancement for Science took place here. As you wander around the rooms you will see some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures dating back as far as the 1550’s. But along with the archaeology there are other exhibits relating to biology and geology as well.
However, one area that many visitors enjoy spending time in is the Roman Gallery. Here you can learn about the changing identity of this city in relation to the different invaders of it. There is a section dedicated to Eboracum who was here during the time of the Romans, Eoforwic who reigned here during the time of the Anglo Saxons and Jorvik who reigned during the time when the Vikings invaded.
This museum in York provides you with the opportunity to travel back to the times mentioned above and see how ordinary people led their lives. But it also shows you how the wealthier people who lived in this city during these times lived as well. No visit to this museum is complete if you have not taken time to look at and enjoy the Ormside Bowl, the York Helmet and the Middleham Jewel and Ring.
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