Kris Brooks.com

The city of York is one of the most historic cities in Europe and is one of the highlights of a trip to the UK. In this article, we will talk about some of York’s most historic sights and the history behind them and list some of its most popular attractions. To begin with, did you know that York is one of the most haunted cities in the world, with over 500 recorded sightings? It was in fact named the most haunted city in Europe by the Ghost Research Foundation International (GRFI.)

York Minster is a fine Gothic cathedral and is one, of not thee, largest in Europe. The English Reformation introduced the first Anglican archbishop and caused the church to loose ownership of much of its land. Under queen Elizabeth I there was a concerted effort to remove all traces of the Roman Catholic Church from the cathedral, and during this period there was a great deal of looting of much of the cathedral’s treasures, as well destruction of tombs, windows, and alters.

Here is our list of top attractions for York:

York Minster We have already spoken a little about this magnificent gothic buiding but did you know that it has its own police force? Thats right, after an arson attack in 1829 that destroyed parts of the east transcept and south west tower the guardians of the cathedral were put in place to protect it.

The Shambles This street used to be where the butchers of York made their trade but today is full of little coffee shops and other little curious shops. It is probably the best preserved example of a medieval street in Britain, the second storeys of the fifteenth century houses that form each side of the street lean inwards so far that the roofs on either side are almost touching each other.

Clifford’s Tower The remains of York Castle built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England. It is named after Roger de Clifford who was hung by chains here after the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322.

Jorvik Viking Museum This museum has welcomed 15 million visitors over the past 25 years. You can journey through the reconstruction of Viking-Age streets, as they would have been in the year AD975 when the viking invaders had control of the city.

The Guy Fawkes Inn is a York townhouse and is famous for being the birth place of Guy Fawkes. Guy Fawkes was born in 1570 and is famous in English history as ringleader of the ‘Gunpowder Plot’, the failed terrorist plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, on 5th November 1605. This is the source of the British ‘bonfire night’ celebrations which take place on the 5th on November.

Guy Fawkes Inn is in a perfect location for exploring the city of York, located right opposite York Minster. All the rooms in this character townhouse are individual in character, ranging from comfortable twin or double rooms. The restaurant provides a good menu, and make sure you try one of the ales brewed specially for the inn, including beers such as The Conspirator, and the Guy Fawkes Ale.

Karen can help you find hotels in york england at her online guide where she writes more articles about York, England and york hotels.