York – Our Home City

Bootham Bar and York Minster

Regardless of what many people might think, there is a lot more to the city of York than York City Knights rugby league football club! Steeped in history, the city is a place to enjoy all year round. Read on to find out a little of the city’s past as well as what it has to offer in the twenty first century.

The Romans set up camp at the confluence of two rivers, now known as the Ouse and the Foss, as long ago as 71 AD. The fortress soon grew to become a city which the Romans named Eboracum and it played an important part in Emperor Hadrian’s campaigns. After the decline of the Roman empire the city fell into Saxon hands before falling to the Danes in 867 AD. The Danes renamed the city Jorvik.

Rear view of York Minster

York became a prosperous town and port during the middle ages but in 1644 it surrendered to the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War following the Battle of Marston Moor fought just six miles to the west of York. The city then went into decline until the 19th century when the arrival of the railways brought renewed prosperity.

Today York is a commercial, industrial and transport centre. Both Nestle and Terry’s are major chocolate producers within the city whilst the insurance industry also provides valuable employment.

The city is perhaps best known for its tourist attractions which attract in the region of five million people each year. They include the magnificant York Minster and the city walls. Other attractions include St Mary’s Abbey, Cliffords Tower, the Shambles, St William’s College, the Treasurers House and the Merchant Adventuers Hall.

York has several museums including the Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Yorkshire Museum, the York Dungeon and the newly refurbished Yorvik Viking Centre.

Another popular place with locals and tourists alike is the Museum Gardens which provides a welcome place to sit on a warm sunny day.

The York Theatre Royal, the Grand Opera House and the Barbican Centre provide the opportunity to take in a show or a concert whilst the city’s three cinemas provide ample opportunity for those wishing to watch a film.

York's Bar Walls in Spring

On the shopping front York has plenty to offer. The city centre houses most of the high street chain stores as well as a wide range of smaller shops tailered for locals and tourists alike. Out of town shopping can be found at Clifton Moor, Monks Cross and the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet at Naburn.

For those wanting to grab a meal or a drink the city is awash with pubs, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Where better to come for an enjoyable day out or a weekend break with the added attraction of watching the Knights in action.