York and it's Surrounds

York is 200 miles North of London and was settled by the Romans in AD71 by building a fort and town around the river and gaving it the Latin name of Eboracum.The Vikings occupied it in the 8th century and they in their turn named it Jorvik- from which derives the modern name of York. It was until the 17th century the most important city after London.

The resultant mix is a fascinating one and makes York one of the top tourist attractions in England. Many of the street names end in 'gate' the Viking name for a street. York is surrounded by an earth mound surmounted by a stone wall which was put in place by the Normans for its defence in the 11th century. The entrances into the city through those walls were guarded and are called 'bars'. So our streets are called gates and the entrances to the town - bars. We never said it was easy.

The town is dominated by the largest Gothic cathedral in Britain, built between AD1220 and AD1472 and commonly referred to as York Minster. The city is steeped in historical association and boasts some fine museums. Although it trades on its past, nevertheless it is forward looking and has many modern attractions. A racecourse (chosen as the venue for the 2005 Ascot meeting), several golf courses two theatres, a university, a variety of shops, street entertainers of real talent and diversity who often attract appreciative audiences in the summer. Good accommodation and food from bed and breakfast to top class hotels and restaurants are to be found plus excellent communication by mainline rail and motorway.

For most of the last 150 years, the main employers in the town have been the railways and the two manufacturers of chocolate, Rowntrees now owned by Nestles and until this year Terry's which closed at the end of September 2005.

To that these days, we must add a burgeoning tourist industry and a variety of service industries eg insurance, banks and retail outlets.

Within a 50 mile radius is contained much of the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire Moors, a great coastline, several famous country houses and mediaeval monastery ruins. Enough to keep every one in the family happy.  So there you have it, a proud historical tradition, an interesting city and a reasonably affluent population.

Come and see for yourselves.