York has one of the busiest Railway interchanges in the country with trains to all parts of England, Scotland and Wales
Video by Michael Jiroch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQksZSC6YIc)
Archive for the ‘York’ Category
York Castle Prison
Posted: September 13, 2018 in History, Post medieval history, UK, YorkTags: York, York Castle
Following its demise as a military base, York castle was used a prison. New buildings were added throughout the 18th century including a county prison, a new courthouse and a female prison. The last civilian prisoners were transferred out in 1900 although it continued to be used as a military prison until 1929.
Prisoner Graffiti
Exercise Yard
The courthouse remains in use as the headquarters of York Crown Court, but the prison buildings were transfered for use as a museum and today house The York castle Museum.
The most famous prisoner to be held in York was the Highwayman Dick Turpin, who had fled from Essex to Yorkshire when it became likely he would be arrested. He lived under the assumed name of John Palmer. However some local magistrates were suspicious of how he funded his lifestyle and he was arrested in 1737 on suspicion of horse theft. His true identity became clear when he made the mistake of writing to his brother in law from prison and the letter was read by the local magistrates. He was tried at York in March 1739 and executed the following month.
Photo by Carl Spencer (http://www.flickr.com/photos/82887550@N00/)
Photo by Xerones (http://www.flickr.com/photos/xerones/)
York City Walls
Posted: September 12, 2018 in History, Medieval History, UK, YorkTags: York, York City walls
I think one of the most attractive things about York as a city is the city walls. These are almost complete except for one section to the north of the city and you are able to walk around the city upon them. It merely gives you an idea of what a medieval walled city might have been like.
One of the fascinating aspects of the city walls is that they have been refurbished and rebuilt over a number of years and as a result show a number of different styles of defensive wall building.
Video by Dennis Callan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fPtrDrRa8E)
Views of York (2)
Posted: September 7, 2018 in History, Roman History, UK, YorkTags: York, York Minster
Column from Roman headquarters building (4th century AD)
The birthplace of Guy Fawkes
York Minster
York Minster close
Anglo-Saxon Helmet
Posted: September 3, 2018 in History, Saxon History, UK, YorkTags: Anglo-Saxon helmet, York, York Helmet
This eighth century Anglo-Saxon helmet was found at Coppergate in York. It is only one of four found in the UK. It was made for member of the Anglo-Saxon royal family called Oshere and his name is inscribed above the nose guard.
It is in very good condition and was found late in a wooden box, suggesting that it was deliberately placed there rather than discarded. Possibly Oshere had grown old and had no longer any use for it or maybe it was to hide such a valuable item people who might steal it.
The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Eoforwic came to an end in the ninth century when the Vikings overran the kingdom and made York their capital, Jorvik.
The Yorvik Centre celebrates the Viking heritage of York and includes a reconstructed Viking town.
Video by YorkMix (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ976COvE3I)
National Railway Museum
Posted: August 16, 2018 in Trains, UK, YorkTags: National Railway Museum, York
Video by Michael Jiroch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45GI8ifbXBs)
Merchant Adventurers Hall York
Posted: August 13, 2018 in History, Medieval History, UK, YorkTags: Merchant Adventurers Hall, York
The Merchant Adventurers hall was built in 1357-61 for the Mystery of Mercers, a guild of merchants from the city. They became involved in shipping woolen and cloth goods from England and returning with cargoes from the destination ports. This trade was primarily with northern Europe, the Baltic countries and Iceland.
The name Merchant Adventurers comes from a charter granted to the guild in 1581.
Photo by Allan Harris (http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_harris/)
Today the hall is used for weddings and conferences.
