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 glorious place in York, and in the new book A History of York in 101 People, Objects and Places. Don’t forget to visit the often-missed Chapter House. The statue of Roman emperor and bringer of Christianity Constantine is just outside.
Next, and nearby, is the glorious porch of the Victorian St Wilfred’s (2). Then keep going and enter the beautiful Museum Gardens where you’ll see the Yorkshire Museum (3) on your right, replete with Roman, Viking and Medieval treasures.
The 14th century Hospitium (4) is on your left and the ruins of medieval St Mary’s Abbey (5) on your right where Iucundus did his carousing.
Retrace your steps, cross the road and go down Lendal, the end of which takes you to St Helen’s Square and 1940s Bettys (6) – an unmissable, quintessential Yorkshire tea room. Don’t forget to go downstairs and view the famous, poignant mirror etched by numerous Canadian World War II air crew.
The magnificent 18th century Mansion House (7) is on your right where you can view the stunning Sigismund Sword and a real dead cat. The glorious 15th century Guildhall is just behind, through an archway.
Walk up the cobbled Stonegate as far as the Printer’s Devil effigy at Coffee Yard on the right; there’ll you’ll see a fantastic reconstruction of 14th century Barley Hall (8) on your left.
Head now to the Jorvik Viking Centre (9) through Parliament and into the Coppergate Centre where you can be transported (literally) back to the 10th century.
Emerge from there and turn left into Castlegate where you’ll see Fairfax House (10) on the left – one of the finest, if not the finest Georgian house in Britain.
Carry on to the end of the street and you’ll be at York’s fine, imposing Norman castle (11), Clifford’s Tower – the views over York from the top are well worth the climb.
A History of York in 101 People, Objects & Places
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of York’s hidden tales with the latest masterpiece from acclaimed historian Paul Chrystal. In this new full colour book, history comes alive as 101 significant people, objects, and places weave together an enchanting narrative that unveils the city’s intriguing past.
Step into the cobbled streets and meander through the snickelways, guided by Chrystal’s expert storytelling. Discover the untold stories that lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be explored. From the underwhelmed poet Shelley, who dared to challenge the majesty of the Minster, to the enigmatic Viking berserker Ivar the Boneless, each story is a portal to a forgotten world.
