Notes on the City of York History

Overview

• York is located in northern England, on the River Ouse.
• Founded by Romans in 71 AD.
• Became an important city by medieval times.

Historical Landmarks

• Castle: Built by William the Conqueror around 1070.
  • Only remains: Clifford's Tower (the keep).
• Medieval Walls:
  • City still surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls.
  • Few towns in England retain such structures.
  • Four main gatehouses used for tax levying on goods.

Notable Medieval Buildings

• Half-timbered Houses
• Merchant Adventurers Hall:
  • Founded in 1357, promotes economic activity and trade.

Economic Significance

• River Ouse as a key thoroughfare for trade.
  • Merchant ships brought wine from France, furs from the Baltic, cloth from the Netherlands.
  • Contributed to York's wealth.

York Minster

• First church on site was wooden, built in 627.
• Current cathedral built in the 13th century.
  • Made of cream-coloured magnesium limestone (locally sourced).
  • An example of perpendicular Gothic architecture:
    • Soaring vertical lines, high pointed arches, large rose windows, decorative fan vaulting.
• Stained Glass Windows:
  • 128 windows in the Minster, largest area of stained glass in the world.
  • Created by anonymous medieval craftsmen.
• Tombs:
  • Black Purbeck marble used for archbishops' tombs.
• Choir Stalls:
  • Reserved for important church figures and monks, one of the few literate groups.

King's Screen

• Features 15 sculptures of English kings from William the Conqueror to Henry VI (murdered in 1471).

Cultural Aspects

• York known for cycles of mystery plays performed outside the Minster.
  • Aimed to entertain and convey moral messages to the public.

Conclusion

• York is a rich source of medieval culture in northern England.