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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.... |
