Time Travelers

The sheer amount of history we have encountered on this trip can make a persons head swim. Here in York and the surrounding area it is as if every major era in British history has left its mark.

If it is the ancient world that interests you stop by the Roman Bath Public House and visit the remains of the baths in the basement of the building. Or stop by the Minster to see the monument to Constantine the Great, who at this site was crowned Emperor of Rome in 306.

I did not expect to see Viking influences to such a large extent in England. I knew they raided the coast and established settlements in Ireland but I was surprised at how far inland they had gone. From the North Sea to York it is a distance of 41 miles. Of course there are good sized rivers,the Ouse and the Humber, that allowed the small settlement to grow into a prosperous trading city. The legacy of the Norse city has been preserved at the Jorvik Viking Center.

https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/. Built on the actual location of part of the village discovered by archaeologists the center includes a Disney -like ride past homes and shops of the people  who settled here. The center includes a large number of display cases showing actual artifacts. In addition, costumed artists demonstrate arts and crafts of the period .

Throughout the city the emblem of the white rose is everywhere. We are in War of the Roses country. Along the old city walls at Monk Bar gate the story of Richard III is told. Follow the wall around to Micklegate Bar and learn of Henry VII. Same events, different points of view.

Yorks history isn’t all war and invasion. At Fairfax House http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/ you see how the wealthy lived in 18th century York. Although the furnishings and decor are not original to the house it is all Georgian period authentic. If this is your style, don’t miss Tea at Grays Court Hotel https://www.grayscourtyork.com/. It is a little bit difficult to find but well worth the time. You can be served in the garden if the weather cooperates.

More modern history is on display northeast of York at Camp Eden. Used as a POW camp during WWII, the barracks have been turned into a museum. Each building represents a different time or place during the war. Plan on at least a half day.http://www.edencamp.co.uk/

A must see is the National Railway Museum https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/. From the

Flying Scotsman Engine to special cars for the Royal family this is a great museum for any train enthusiast. If looking at these engines and cars makes you long for a rail trip you are in luck. The Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway https://www.nymr.co.uk/pages/category/the-yorkshire-steam-railway-all-aboard-tv-show is not too far away. (We paired the day with Camp Eden) Harry Potter fans may recognize one of the stops as Hogwarts Station from the movies. It is a great way to see the moors riding in authentic cars from an era gone by.

Being a time traveler takes….time. If you don’t have a week like we did it is not a problem. In the Yorkshire museum artifacts and exhibits will take you through all of periods.https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/ ; a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.