York: A Historic City

York is a very interesting city with lots to see. It was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, and the city is almost entirely encircled by walls from that period. After the Romans left in the 400s, it was occupied by Anglo-Saxons until it was taken by the Vikings in 866. The Yorvik Viking Museum was really well done, showing how the city would have looked, sounded, and smelled, as well as many archeological finds. It was surprising how advanced they were.

The oldest buildings left in town are Tudor, and they are really crooked! Many streets are narrow and cobblestoned including the Shambles, which has lots of fun shops to explore. York chocolates are made here.

York Minster is another huge cathedral--we didn't go inside as we had only one day and too much to see. It is being refurbished, and we saw the stonemasons' work area, where they are carving figures to replace some that have broken.Read more