History of York
Founded in AD71 as a military camp by the Romans, the area which is now
know as the City of York has seen two decades of eventful, fascinating and
often violent history.
Named Eboracum by the Romans, the area grew from a military base into a
buzzing civilian domain, which eventually became one of the most important
cities in the Roman empire.
However, the 5th century saw the invasion of Britain by the
Anglo Saxons, who captured Eboracum, claiming it as the centre of the
independent city of Northumbria, and renaming it Eoforwic. In time, the whole
of Northumbria was converted back to Christianity; an incentive led by warlord
Edwin during the 7th century.
The invasion by Ivar the Boneless and his great army of Danish Vikings
during the 9th century saw the beginning of York’s famous Viking
era. The city was captured in 866, when it was renamed Jorvik, and was turned
into an important river port for the Vikings’ trading routes. The
city experienced much unrest during this period, with King Eadred of Wessex
driving out the last Viking ruler of York in 954, and the beginnings of local
rebellion starting to emerge.
It was also around this time that the Norwegian forces invaded, only to
be defeated in 1066 by King Harold II at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This
victory was not to last, however, as just three weeks later the Norman forces
of William the Conqueror took control at the Battle of Hastings.
This signified the
beginning of Norman York. During this time, the city was built up
significantly, and much work was carried out on the Minster (until then only a small church) as part of the city’s
expansion. Despite this, the population began to decline by the
14th century, with much of the city’s trade – such as its wool trade
– moving elsewhere.
Crucially, the War
of the Roses (1453-1487) caused great upheaval, and was followed by a period of
severe epidemics and a dramatic decline in trade. Furthermore, King
Edward IV did not look kindly on the city for its support of the Lancastrian
side during the War of the Roses, which left him unsympathetic to the struggles
that its population suffered.
During the civil
war of 1644, many buildings were destroyed by the 40,000-strong Parliamentary
army that invaded York and succeeded in forcing it to surrender within two months.
After the removal of the Royal Garrison in 1688, the city eventually came
to be dominated by the local aristocracy and gentry. And, despite the sparseness of
trade and manufacturing in York during this period, the city was beginning to make
a name for itself as the cultural centre of the north at this time. It was this
period that saw the building of many new town houses, as well as such
structures as the Assembly Rooms and the Assize Courts.
In 1839, access to York was greatly facilitated by the construction of a
railway line to York. And, by the beginning of the 20th century, the
railway centre was employing hundreds of people. Other industries to be
credited for aiding the burgeoning of York’s success were the numerous new
banks, churches and schools. Additionally, the expansion of Rowntree’s Cocoa
Works and Terry’s Confectionery Works during the Victorian period provided a
great number of jobs for the citizens of York.
Today, much of York’s income is generated by the tourism industry, with the
numerous hotels, shops, guided tour companies and restaurants enjoying the city’s
popularity. York is also now a prestigious university city, which contributes
to the youthful, lively atmosphere in which its visitors take great pleaure.