The Romans established a fort at Eboracum (York) in 71AD and it became their northern military headquarters for over 300 years. The Roman occupation of the site came to an end with the withdrawal of the Romans from Britannia in the early fifth century.
It was successively settled by the Anglo-Saxons and then the Danes who occupied the site in 867 AD and established it as their Northumbrian capital, under the name Jorvik. It suffered severely during William the Conqueror’s ‘Harrying of the North’. Part of the city was demolished and two castles were built to keep the North subjugated.
Gradually, York recovered and became a prosperous centre of trade, especially in wool. Between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries the largest Gothic church, York Minster, was constructed, a reflection of York’s status as the second largest city in England. However, it suffered a second wave of depredation during the Reformation when many of its religious treasures were seized.
Further misfortune befell the city in 1644 when it was besieged by Parliament during the Civil War. The biggest battle of the war was fought just six miles away at Marston Moor. The resulting Royalist defeat meant the city was occupied by Fairfax’s army.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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History Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £180
3 Days to York
Day 1:
Morning departure from school, arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon. Walk the medieval walls which encircle the city to enjoy an overview of the medieval centre.
Day 2:
In the morning visit the Jorvik Viking Centre that houses an incredible 40,000 objects from Viking history. Continue to visit the York Castle Museum best known for its recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate. In the afternoon visit the National Railway Museum, watch engineering work in progress at the Workshop, and be amazed at the size of locomotives moving on the turntable. In the evening take a Ghost walk of the city.
Day 3:
Check out of your accommodation and time permitting take the York Boat City Cruise and visit York Minster, one of Northern Europe's greatest gothic cathedrals. Then onwards with your return journey back to school.
