Experience the History of York By Isla Campbell

One of Britain's most famous buildings can be found in the picturesque city of York, which lies midway between Edinburgh and London. Seat of the Archbishop of York, York Minster is an architectural jewel and the largest medieval cathedral in England.
The building has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small wooden church.

King Edwin of Northumbria transformed the wooden structure into a stone building which fell into disrepair before being rebuilt in 670 by the Bishop of York, St Wilfrid. The building as it stands today was started by Archbishop Walter de Grey in 1220 and was built over two centuries, completing in 1472.

Significant architecturally as well as historically the Minster housed Emperor Constantine, the Roman buildings in which he lived still stand beneath the central tower today. The local Saxon king was baptised here by St Paulinus and many of the Archbishops of York are buried at the Minster, including St William of York.

The Minster itself offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The stained glass Great East Window is a vast expanse which spans the size of a tennis court and is the largest medieval example of its kind in the whole world. Not just of interest to art lovers this unique spectacle really is a sight to behold. The cathedral is also home to a 10.8 tonne bell known as 'Great Peter' whose presence rings around the city walls.

The minsters history can be discovered through a trip to the cathedral where you can see the Quire and Chapter House, the Undercroft where Emperor Constantine lived, as well as the Treasury and Crypt. A climb to the top of the Central Tower rewards you with an excellent view across the medieval streets of historic York and to the countryside beyond. Plenty to keep even the most inquisitive of us occupied for the day.

Out with the Minster, York as a city has a plethora of offerings to suit all tastes. York museum is set amidst quintessentially English gardens and contains some of the finest archeological and geological specimens to be found in the region. In addition, the railway and castle museums mean any heritage lovers will be spoilt for choice.

The JORVIK Viking Centre transports you back in time and reconstructs York's Viking history, depicting the streets as they would have been in the year 975AD.

You can also make the most of the great outdoors and take a guided walking tour of the city, discovering its haunted past. Taking to the river is another possibility as boat trips run day and night and allow you to relax and take in the ever changing views of the city from a different viewpoint.

Whatever your taste and budget there are plenty of hotels near York Minster to choose from and staying in the centre of the city gives you the perfect starting point from which to explore all this historical city has to offer.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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