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York’s History: Celebrating its Most Influential Figures

York, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts a rich tapestry woven by countless individuals who have left an indelible mark on its legacy. From monarchs and inventors to philanthropists and artists, the contributions of these important figures have shaped York into the captivating city it is today. In this article, we celebrate and pay homage to some of the most influential people in York's history. 1. Constantine the Great (272-337 AD): Roman Emperor and Visionary At the beginning of York's...

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York’s Treasures: Exploring the City’s Most Important Objects

York, a city steeped in history and cultural heritage, is home to an array of important objects that bear witness to its illustrious past. From ancient artifacts to valuable manuscripts and stunning works of art, these treasures offer a glimpse into the city's fascinating history and the stories of the people who once lived here. In this article, we embark on a journey of discovery, exploring some of York's most important objects. 1. The York Gospels: A Testament to Artistry and...

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Memories of Middlesbrough’s Trams

A tram reaches Linthorpe Village from the ferry terminus in Middlesbrough. Here is the corner of Chipchase Road. Middlesbrough once had a popular tram system which allowed easy travel both within the town and also to nearby towns. It comprised two main lines – one ran all the way from Norton Green near Stockton, to North Ormesby and passing through central Middlesbrough (as well as Stockton, Thornaby and Newport). A single decker tram travelling along Albert Road The other was a shorter, more local...

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Unveiling the Mystique of York’s Six Bars: A Journey through History and Heritage

York, the ancient city in northern England, is renowned for its rich history and heritage. Among its many historical treasures, the city's six bars stand tall as stoic guardians, bearing witness to centuries of triumphs and trials. In this article, we embark on a fascinating journey to explore the stories behind these remarkable structures, delving into their significance, architectural wonders, and the tales they tell about York's past. The Intriguing Role of York's Bars in History The term "bars" in York refers...

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The Ages of York in One Short Walk

Everyone knows that the best way to see a city or town imbued with so much history like York is to walk it. So here is a walk which takes in the broad expanse of York’s vast historical heritage, ranging from the Romans to the present day. And don’t forget to look up as you stroll around: there’s as much up there as there is down here! We’ll start at the medieval Minster (1) as it’s the biggest, most famous and most...

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10 Events in the History of York Minster

The life and history of York’s most prominent building York Minster is probably the best known landmark in the city. Its Gothic towers and great size loom over the city and can be seen for miles around; inside, still a place of worship, prayer and learning, it is also a huge tourist draw for the city. This cathedral dedicated to St Peter is one of the largest in Europe and in its centuries of history has seen many important events, which we’ll uncover...

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New Book Uncovers York’s Most Important People, Objects and Places

Destinworld Publishing announces A History of York in 101 People, Objects and Places, a new book title for Autumn 2023. YORK historian Paul Chrystal takes you on a unique journey of discovery through some of the less well-known, more surprising stories connected with York, just as if you were ambling through the city’s streets, coming across this, that or the other, purely by pleasant chance in what can be your personal journey of serendipity. Hear about the poet Shelley – one of...

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Anne Lister – The First Modern Lesbian

Women of York is a wonderful new book on the often unheard of tales of women who have influenced the history of this city in one way or another. In this article, we’ll look at Anne Lister, who could be described as the first modern lesbian, and her secret lovers. She was the inspiration for the TV drama series Gentleman Jack. Discovering Anne's Diaries Shibden Hall In one of the dark, candle-lit rooms of Shibden Hall, Halifax, John Lister pulled back the old wooden panel...

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A Snapshot of York Industry Through Time

York, because of its cloth trade and the ancillary industries associated with it in the 14th century, was described as ‘the foremost industrial town in the North of England.’ This prosperity was short-lived though, and the trade in cloth declined to such a degree that, as we have seen, a visitor to the city in the seventeenth century, Thomas Fuller, remarked: ‘the foreign trade is like their river...low and flat.’. The railway and confectionery industries were soon to change York’s industrial...

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The Roman sewer discovered under York – and what it confirmed about toilet habits!

In 1972 a large sewer was discovered under Church Street in York. Big enough to walk through, early investigations clearly identified it as a very old structure, most likely of Roman origin. This was later confirmed. Like today’s modern sewers, this underground route included many features such as side channels, sluices and even manhole covers in the street above. The size of it allowed slaves access to clean the sewer of any build-up of excrement or other detritus which had been washed down by...

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