Arcadia England

One of our subsidized events this semester is a day trip to York.

Are you considering buying a spot, but unsure about what there is to see? Have a read of this, and hopefully we can persuade you to hop on board.

HISTORY

One of the main attractions in York is the city itself. It has a rich heritage, having witnessed many historic events throughout its two millennia of existence. Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, it was originally called Eboracum. Many Roman Emperors held court in York at one time or another. When Constantius I died there in 306 AD, his son, Constantine the Great, was proclaimed Emperor within the city.

York is also very well known for its Medieval history and the city walls are still remnants from that era. During this time York became a major center for trade, helping the city prosper until the Tudor period and Henry VIII’s reign. York’s many monasteries meant it was closely linked to Catholicism, and these ties continued to hamper the city into the seventeenth century. Guy Fawkes, born and educated in York, was a Roman Catholic that took part in the Gunpowder Plot. This might have been the reason that York was besieged by Parliamentarians and its medieval buildings threatened. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, so was peace in York.

YORK MINSTER

This cathedral is one of the largest in Northern Europe. It is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second highest office of the Church of England. The exact date construction began is difficult to pinpoint as churches on the same site were built, burned and rebuilt over many centuries. The Gothic architecture that we see today was commissioned by Walter de Gray, made archbishop in 1215. The cathedral was declared complete and was consecrated in 1472.

On the trip you can visit York Minster. It is a stunning building, inside and out. If you climb the central tower you will see a mesmerizing view of the city. Find out more here.

JORVIK CENTRE

You will also have the chance to enter the Jorvik Centre, a site that commemorates York’s Viking history.

The Vikings were Scandinavian raiders that attacked from the sea. They were often not professional pirates or soldiers, but farmers and fisherman that would rise to their leaders call in the summer, seeking out new lands across the sea. In the Jorvik centre, you can learn more about how they came to York and what impact they had upon the city.

THE SHAMBLES

The Shambles is an old medieval street in York and it does not cost a penny to take a stroll along it. The timber framed buildings that hang out over the street, date as far back as the fourteenth century.

Historically, The Shambles was another term for an open slaughterhouse and the shops on the street were predominantly butchers. The street was not very sanitary, not was it very organized. So now we tend to call mess and disorganization ‘a shambles.’

The butchers are long gone but hooks hanging from the buildings respect the history here and it is still easy to feel as though you have been transported back in time.

SIGN UP

There are still spaces on this event and it is incredible value for money. Join the facebook group for more information about how to sign up and do not hesitate to contact staff if you have any questions.