King George VI once remarked, "The history of York is the history of England". He was not exaggerating. The city has passed through the hands of Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. It has been the scene of battles that helped determine the fate of the entire nation, and its rich range of architectural and cultural remains is unique in Britain.
In this section of the York Guide, we'll trace the historical background of this fascinating city. Each section leads on to the next, so you can follow a "circular tour" of York history if you choose, or simply select a time period from the menu below.
