York, the historic walled city.

The Romans founded the city and military base of EBORACUM here in York in the first century AD and it became one of the foremost cities of the Roman empire. Today York is one of Europe`s best-preserved cities with it`s winding streets, city walls and timber-framed houses in addition to the rich heritage of medieval churches and the magnificent cathedral, York Minster.

Here is Drake on our arrival in the city, heading down towards the black and white building called Herbert House.



Like our home town of Chester, the ancient heart of the city of York is largely enclosed by its medieval walls. They are approximately 3 miles round and still stand nearly complete . Here we are at one of the gates.

....and peeping through.....

...and......."Oh, it`s locked".....



Jones, the shoe shop is set in Herbert House in the Pavement. It belonged to Thomas Herbert who bought it in 1577 from the Merchant Adventurers` Company. He was a close friend of Charles I and kept him company on the night before his execution. It could be Chester couldn`t it!!!!!

England`s largest cathedral and a fine example of Gothic architecture is the magnificent

YORK MINSTER,

a very impressive building standing 524 feet long by 249 feet wide. Building started in 1220 but it took 250 years to complete, the massive central tower being one of the last parts of the cathedral to be completed, the twin towers being elaborately decorated.

The cathedral is famous for its outstanding stained glass-it contains more medieval glass than any other single church in England. The superb nave is 99 feet high and 104 feet wide, the widest Gothic nave in England.

We could have spent a lot more time exploring the cobbled streets and charming little alleyways but we had an Open Day to get to so we headed off the the University to mingle with the H of A students and hope to revisit this lovely city in the not too distant future.