The History of York, England

York, in the country of England is a very historical place. York attracts visitors from within the United Kingdom as well as from all over the world. Tourist attractions include York castle museum, York Minster, and the national railway museum.

During the Roman Conquest of Great Britain tribes known as the Brigantes, and the Parisii occupied the land. The Ninth Legion conquered the Brigantes in AD 71, thus York was then founded. The Ninth Legion built a fortress named Castra on the River Ouse, near wear it met the River Foss. Most of the foundations now lay under the foundations of York Minster.

In the 7th century the first Minister church was built. It was built primarily for the Baptism of Edwin, Anglo Saxon King of Northumbria. In the midst of the Norhumbrian Civil war York was captured by the Vikings. York became a major river port during the take over of the Vikings.

William the conquerer then took over in 1069. At this time the Normans built a new Minster at a different location. Archbishop Thomas was later to build the new Minister, as it is today. Trading was a major part of York economy due to King Henry l granting the first charter. Wool was a prosperous commodity in the trading field.

The Jews sought sanctuary in Clifford's Tower, in the year 1190. Preparations were made to storm the castle, and as a result a fire was started. 150 Jews lost their lives.

Some of Yorks most historical building were built in the late middle ages. The Merchant Adventurers Hall was built in 1368. York Minster was built in stages between 1220 and 1472. The Guild Hall in 1453. St Williams college was built to house priests of the Minster in 1461.

Many towns were growing at a rapid pace in the 16th and 17th century. However, York still remained the most important of the Northern English towns. In 1500 the population of York was around 10,000 and rose to 12,000 despite many lives being lost due to the outbreak of the plague. 1558 was a year when the authorities closed a large number of the parish churches. Due to growing competition from other towns the benefits of trade were depleting in York. International trade was also included in this decline. Although ships continued to take cargo around British ports. A pipe water supply was introduced in the late 17th century, and was available for those who could afford it. At the end of this century there was a population of around 17,000.

The decline continued into the 18th century, but York was still quite prosperous in certain trading areas. With it's range of craftsmen, sellers and traders it was still a productive town in it's own right. The first theater was opened in 1736. In the year 1740 York county hospital was built, and in 1788 a dispensary was opened where the poor could receive medicine.

York had a population of 16, 846 by the turn of the 19th century. In the early 19th century it remained a market town failing to meet the needs of the large industrial boom at that time. In 1839 the railway was introduced, and a repair shop built in 1842. At this time York became known for making railway carriages. In the late 19th century the making of cocoa and flour milling became an industrial revolution. The first modern police force was formed in 1836.

And finally, in the 20th century trams were in operation, before the introduction of the motor buses. The last tram was in operation in 1935. Confectionery became the main industry along with printing in the early part of the 20th century. Many council houses were built during the 1920's and 1930's. Many more were built after 1945. Today, tourism is a major part of Yorks economical growth. There are now around 181,000 people populating the town of York.